Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
Research Proposal
a) Thesis Statement:
The LNG Canada Export Terminal Project in British Columbia is a multi-billion-dollar initiative
with deep implications for the environment, economy, and indigenous communities. This paper
aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the project's environmental and socio-economic
impacts, examining how these align with the project's stated goals of sustainability and economic
development. A key focus will be on assessing the effects on indigenous communities,
scrutinizing environmental concerns raised by certain groups, and evaluating the purported
economic benefits that might outweigh potential drawbacks.
b) Outline of Supporting Argument:
Introduction
The LNG Canada Export Terminal Project, located in Kitimat, British Columbia, is one of the
most significant industrial projects in Canada's history. This is the largest private capital
investment in Canadian history. This section will offer a brief overview of the project,
highlighting its scale, objectives, and the importance of examining its impacts on the environment
and socio-economics.
Environmental and Socio-economic Impacts
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
Examination of Environmental Impacts
The Coastal GasLink Pipeline, a crucial component of the project, spans 670 kilometers to
transport natural gas to the LNG Canada facility near Kitimat. Despite assurances about
considering environmental factors in route determination, the project has faced challenges.
The project has had some negative environmental impacts even if LNG Canada claimed they were
going to be socially environmentally conscious. LNG Canada states that they want to mitigate the
environmental impact of their activities and meet their commitments to Indigenous and local
communities. The Environmental Assessment Office imposed fines on Coastal GasLink due to
non-compliance issues, particularly related to erosion and sediment control. These fines show
contradictions within the company and emphasize the importance of addressing environmental
concerns during construction. The Coastal GasLink Pipeline is 670 kilometer long and wil
transport natural gas to the approved LNG Canada facility near Kitimat. According to their
website, “The pipeline route was determined by considering Indigenous, landowner and
stakeholder input, the environment, archaeological and cultural values, land use compatibility,
safety, constructability and economics”.
Socio-economic Benefits
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
Referencing LNG Canada's official statements, this subsection will outline the socio-economic
benefits the project promises. The LNG Canada facility in Kitimat is designed to provide
low-carbon liquefied natural gas to the global market, aiming to reduce worldwide greenhouse
gas emissions by substituting natural gas for coal. The discussion will explore the economic
growth prospects and the commitment to fostering sustainable development in northern British
Columbia communities. This section aims to explain the economic motives and projected benefits
associated with the project. The project, with an estimated cost of C$40 billion ($31.2 billion),
involves two LNG trains in the first phase with a total annual capacity of 14 million tonnes,
expandable to 28 million tonnes in the second phase. It is set to become Canada's first LNG
export terminal and is on track for shipments to begin in 2025. Jason Klein, LNG Canada Chief
Executive Officer, released LNG Canada’s 2023 mid-year update. He states that “LNG will
provide security of supply for global markets that can rely on Canada’s natural gas reserves to
advance their economies and reduce global GHG emissions”. Their export facility will: Ensure a
stable supply for international markets that depend on Canada's natural gas resources to power
their economies, decrease worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by substituting natural gas for
coal, and promote substantial economic development and sustainability in northern British
Columbia communities as well as across the entire country. They claim that they will establish the
standard for economically, environmentally, and socially responsible LNG development in
Canada, making every decision with safety, economic viability, environmental concerns, and
community welfare as our main priorities.
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
Stakeholder Perspectives:
Indigenous Communities and Environmental Groups' Concerns
This subsection will address the concerns of indigenous communities and environmental groups
regarding the LNG Canada Export Terminal Project. It will explore why certain environmental
groups believe the project could result in "climate-wrecking emissions." The fines imposed on
Coastal GasLink may be indicative of broader environmental challenges, and this section will
explore the perspectives of indigenous communities directly affected by the project.
Local Communities and Opportunities for Community Investment
Investigating the local communities surrounding the LNG Canada Export Terminal, this
subsection will discuss the opportunities for community investment outlined by LNG Canada.
The company has made commitments to local development, this will supposedly lead to positive
impacts in local communities.
Government and Industry Involvement
The Role of the Government
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
This subsection will explore the role of the government in supporting the LNG Canada Export
Terminal Project. By examining subsidies and exemptions granted, particularly the CAD 275
million investment and CAD 1 billion steel tariff exemptions, the discussion will highlight the
extent of governmental involvement and its implications for the project. The project will foster
economic growth, and provide remarkable revenue to the provincial and federal governments.
Government cooperation is crucial for the construction of transmission lines as Canada strives to
develop its LNG industry for economic growth while simultaneously committing to emissions
reductions. The project has obtained environmental permits and regulatory approvals, with the
first phase being built on a 400-hectare site and the terminal's marine terminal facility redesigned
from an existing wharf at the Kitimat Port. The LNG Canada project is expected to play a key role
in meeting global demand for LNG.
Challenges and Mitigations
Electricity Constraints and Delays in Renewable Transition
Delving into recent developments, this subsection will discuss the challenges faced by LNG
Canada in transitioning to renewable energy sources. The decision to initially use natural
gas-powered turbines may result in higher greenhouse gas emissions during the project's early
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
stages. The complex challenges of balancing economic growth with emissions reductions will be
explored, emphasizing the need for government cooperation in infrastructure development.
Discussions on Environmental Impact and Company Response
This subsection will discuss the environmental impact of the project, particularly in terms of
emissions. It will also explore how LNG Canada plans to address these challenges, considering
the potential expansion of the project and the commitment to sustainability.
Coastal GasLink Pipeline
The Coastal GasLink Pipeline is a critical component of the LNG Canada Export Terminal
Project, spanning 670 kilometers to transport natural gas to the LNG Canada facility near Kitimat.
Despite claims of considering various factors in determining the pipeline route, the Environmental
Assessment Office imposed fines on Coastal GasLink due to non-compliance issues, particularly
related to erosion and sediment control. These fines, totaling $346,000, highlight significant
problems identified during inspections, raising questions about the company's environmental
commitments.
About LNG Canada
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
LNG Canada, responsible for building the export facility in Kitimat, outlines its goals to provide
low-carbon, reliable liquefied natural gas to the global market. The project aims to reduce
worldwide greenhouse gas emissions by substituting natural gas for coal. The discussion will
explore the economic growth prospects and the commitment to fostering sustainable development
in northern British Columbia communities. This source is crucial for understanding the economic
purpose of the project and the company's goals.
LNG Canada Project Mid-Year Update Summer 2023
The mid-year update from LNG Canada's Chief Executive Officer, Jason Klein, provides insights
into the project's progress, with an 85% completion rate. The update asserts the project's
commitment to shipping low-carbon liquefied natural gas by 2025, emphasizing Kitimat's
strategic location and the project's potential benefits for global markets. This source is crucial for
gaining an overview of the project's status and the comments made by the CEO.
Shell: LNG Canada
Shell's involvement in the LNG Canada project is substantial, with the company being one of the
project's major partners. The source highlights the collaborative effort of multiple partners,
including Petronas, PetroChina, Mitsubishi Corporation, and KOGAS. The focus on sustainable
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
development and the project's low carbon intensity add valuable context to the understanding of
the project's environmental commitments. It's important to highlight that even if the project is
based on capitalist ideals, they want to give back to communities, employ several workers, and
limit negative environmental consequences. This may be because of corporate social
responsibility. LNG Canada wants to foster workforce development-related initiatives in local
communities. They also care about the safety of their employees, contractors and communities.
c) Summaries of Academic Sources:
● Syllabus source 1: Marxist Political Economy and the Environment by George Henderson
In "Marxist Political Economy and the Environment" by George Henderson, the author describes
the complex relationship between Marxist thought and environmental concerns.
Although Marxism is not innately environmentalist, Henderson mentions that there has been an
increase in Politicization of environmental issues within leftist movements.
There is a concept called species being which links human labor with the environment and
examines the environmental repercussions of capitalist accumulation.
The article also focuses on the intersection of Marxist political economy and environmental
considerations, especially the role of fossil fuels in industrial capitalism. There is “symbiosis”
between fossil fuels, particularly petroleum, and capitalist accumulation, facilitated by
characteristics like high EROEI and global flexibility.
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
Fossil fuel energy has historically propelled economic growth but there are questions about its
finite supply and ecological consequences. In Ecological Marxism the second contradiction of
capitalism is the shift in focus to the conflict between capitalist production relations and the key
conditions for sustaining them. The degradation of production causes environmental crises,
counter-movements, and potential restructuring [Link] is a “second path to
socialism” that integrates ecological matters and addresses the Malthusian Myth related to water
resources within a capitalist framework. Geographer Neil Smith challenges traditional views of
nature in capitalism with the concept of the "production of nature." Nature, according to Smith, is
not universally external to humans but takes specific forms shaped by capitalist activities. There is
a discussion on how capitalism commodifies nature, from carbon credits to the buying and
selling of the right to pollute. This illustrates the intricate relationship between capital and nature.
The tensions within Marxism regarding nature and capitalism are explored. One perspective sees
nature as external, leading to environmental degradation, while another views nature as produced
by human and non-human processes. The concept of immanence challenges conventional views
and advocates for a politics of nature that acknowledges the complexities of interactions in a
continually evolving world.
● Syllabus source 2: Coming Full Circle: Indigenous Knowledge, Environment, and
Our Future by Deborah McGregor
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
The article "Coming Full Circle: Indigenous Knowledge, Environment, and Our Future" by
Deborah McGregor explores the evolution and application of Traditional Ecological Knowledge
(tek) within Indigenous communities in Canada. In the past two decades, there has been an
increasing recognition of the relevance of indigenous knowledge in addressing global
environmental challenges. McGregor emphasizes the distinction between Indigenous views of
tek, which involve an active relationship with Creation and the environment, and the Eurocentric
perspective that often treats tek as a body of knowledge to be studied. There is a connection
between Indigenous Knowledge (ik), Creation stories, and the responsibilities associated with
maintaining harmony with the environment. McGregor discusses the challenges of incorporating
tek into environmental decision-making processes. She also claims that it is necessary to have a
better understanding and respect for Indigenous perspectives on knowledge and the environment.
The field of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (tek) in Canada faces challenges despite its
growing prominence in environmental and resource management. Key issues include the lack of
consensus on tek's definition, differing perspectives between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
people, and concerns about intellectual property rights. Aboriginal people are cautious about
sharing knowledge due to fears of exploitation. There is also a perception that Western science is
prioritized over tek. The power imbalance between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people hinders
effective integration of tek into decision-making processes. Additionally, there's a risk of
“colonization” as non-Indigenous researchers dominate the tek field, potentially exploiting
Indigenous knowledge. To address these challenges, a shift towards a circular and regenerative
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
understanding of Indigenous knowledge, termed "Minobimaatisiiwin," is suggested, emphasizing
relationships, creativity, and the holistic nature of Indigenous ways of knowing.
● Consideration and influence of climate change in environmental assessment: an analysis
of British Columbia’s liquid natural gas sector By Lindsay Luke &Bram Noble
This paper investigates the consideration of climate change in environmental assessment (EA) in
British Columbia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. The analysis is based on recent EA
applications. The analysis indicates that climate change is acknowledged to some extent
throughout all EA phases for most LNG projects. Despite this, stakeholders express
dissatisfaction, often due to unrealistic expectations about the EA's capabilities and partial
understanding of climate change legislation. The study finds inconsistent application of climate
change requirements across project EAs, with little attention to climate change in project decision
and approval conditions. The LNG industry in British Columbia is important within Canada's
energy sector. The province's LNG projects face challenges in aligning with climate change
mitigation goals while meeting increasing energy demands. The paper recommends improving
climate change consideration in EA by aligning it with project-level issues, supplemented by
more strategic EA and economic instruments. The study also calls for a balance between climate
change mitigation and adaptation efforts, emphasizing the need for enhanced integration of
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
climate change in all facets of EA. The results highlight the complexities of addressing climate
change within the context of specific projects and underscore the importance of comprehensive
policies and programs beyond EA to effectively manage climate impacts. There are challenges
and discrepancies in addressing climate change within the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector in
British Columbia. Despite existing laws and regulations, the study reveals a gap between
legislation and the practical application of climate change considerations in environmental
assessments (EAs). Interviewees express dissatisfaction, often due to a lack of awareness or
understanding of current EA requirements and climate change legislation. The paper
acknowledges the limitations of project-based reviews and advocates for a more comprehensive
approach.
● 2 Chapter 11 - The primacy of place: a community's response to a proposed liquefied
natural gas export facility by Emily Paige Bishop, Karena Shaw
This article is about the resistance to the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG terminal in British
Columbia, Canada, explaining the complex interplay of economic development, environmental
concerns, and Indigenous rights. The community resists the government's push for a liquefied
natural gas (LNG) export industry. The case study focuses on the PNW LNG project, an
$11-billion initiative that faced opposition due to concerns about environmental impacts,
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
economic patterns, and the inadequate response from industry and government. Local resistance
centered on the potential harm to Skeena salmon runs, economic uncertainties, and the failure of
decision-makers to address community concerns. The article highlights the community's deep
connection to place and the broader implications for rural communities navigating energy and
economic transitions without effective governance. Despite federal and provincial approval, the
project was ultimately canceled in 2017, reflecting the challenges of balancing development with
community values. The chapter emphasizes the need for nuanced understanding and effective
governance in supporting communities through transformative changes, especially in the context
of urgent energy and industrial transitions to mitigate climate change. The findings reveal three
central concerns driving resistance to the Pacific Northwest LNG (PNW LNG) project: localized
environmental impacts on salmon runs, potential economic consequences tied to extractivism, and
governance failures in addressing community concerns. The proposed terminal's location at Lelu
Island posed a significant threat to the vital Skeena salmon industry, prompting deep-rooted
opposition. Interviewees underscored a desire for a more sustainable economic model, wary of
repeating boom-bust cycles. Governance failures, including insufficient public engagement and
dismissive decision-making, fueled opposition. The paper emphasizes the need for effective
governance, community values, and a nuanced approach in navigating energy transitions,
particularly in rural areas facing economic challenges.
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
● 3 Life cycle assessment and risk assessment of liquefied natural gas vehicles promotion by
Shouheng Sun and Myriam Ertz
The study conducts a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) and risk assessment of
promoted liquefied natural gas (LNG) vehicles, specifically heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), in
Saguenay, Canada. It describes the environmental and economic impact, using the ReCiPe 2016
methodology for LCA and Monte Carlo simulation for risk assessment. Results indicate that
promoting LNG in Saguenay could produce significant environmental benefits, reducing air
pollutants and impacts on ecotoxicity, human toxicity, and fossil resource scarcity. The study
highlights uncertainties in LNG's global warming potential due to methane emissions and engine
energy efficiency. The cancellation of the project in Saguenay, later implemented in Kitimat,
British Columbia, doesn't negate potential positive environmental effects in Saguenay.
Government incentives are key for enhancing economic benefits and reducing investment risks.
The study contributes important insights into LNG's comparative environmental and economic
impacts, emphasizing the need for continued technological advancements, government incentives,
and transparent communication of economic and environmental impacts to encourage public
support for LNG promotion. Limitations include the focus on fuel life cycle, exclusion of certain
resources, and the need for further research comparing LNG with other fuels and engine types.
Word count: 2839
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Name: Ivan Marquez
Student number: 1005115359
GGRC26H3: Geographies of Environmental Governance
Bibliography
● Sun, Shouheng, and Myriam Ertz. “Life Cycle Assessment and Risk Assessment of
Liquefied Natural Gas Vehicles Promotion.” Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,
vol. 153, 1 Jan. 2022, [Link]/science/article/pii/S1364032121010388,
[Link] Accessed 8 Nov. 2023.
● Luke, Lindsay, and Bram Noble. “Consideration and Influence of Climate Change in
Environmental Assessment: An Analysis of British Columbia’s Liquid Natural Gas
Sector.” Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, 17 Oct. 2018, pp. 1–11,
[Link]
● Bishop, Emily Paige, and Karena Shaw. “Chapter 11 - the Primacy of Place: A
Community’s Response to a Proposed Liquefied Natural Gas Export Facility∗.”
ScienceDirect, Elsevier, 1 Jan. 2022,
[Link]/science/article/pii/B9780128240465000011. Accessed 8 Nov.
2023.
Course readings:
● Henderson, George. “Marxist Political Economy and the Environment.” Wiley Online
Library , 30 Jan. 2009, pp. 266–293, [Link]
● McGregor, Deborah. “Coming Full Circle: Indigenous Knowledge, Environment, and Our
Future.” American Indian Quarterly, vol. 28, no. 3/4, 2004, pp. 385–410,
[Link]/stable/4138924.
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