Canadian province Quebec is open to revisiting previously rejected liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil projects, influenced by US President Trump’s policies.
Quebec Environment Minister Benoit Charette indicated a willingness to reconsider the Energy East pipeline and GNL Quebec project if concerns are addressed, reported Bloomberg.
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Quebec has historically resisted new oil and gas pipelines. However, recent statements from Charette suggest a potential shift in this stance.
TC Energy’s Energy East pipeline and the GNL Quebec LNG project, which involves an LNG pipeline and an export terminal in the Saguenay region, were previously rejected citing environmental concerns.
South Bow, a company spun out of TC Energy, declined to comment on the Energy East project. TC Energy did not respond to requests for comment.
Charette said: “If we address these concerns today, these are projects that could be accepted.”
The political landscape in Canada has been influenced by Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
Additionally, Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become a US state has been widely rejected by Canadians.
Quebec Foreign Minister Melanie Joly commented on the situation, saying: “It is a question people have to ask themselves here.”
She emphasised the need to balance environmental objectives with changing political dynamics. Joly added: “Does what happened in the last few days change the game?”
In response to environmental concerns, Canada had announced draft regulations to cap greenhouse gas emissions from the oil and gas sector.
The goal is a 35% reduction from 2019 levels by 2030.
This is part of Canada’s broader strategy to combat climate change while supporting the growth of the oil and gas industry.
The proposed cap-and-trade system aims to reward companies that excel in reducing emissions.
It also encourages higher-polluting companies to invest in cleaner production processes.
