Kinder Morgan president backs off climate change remarks

“The discussion around climate change is a very important one and there should be no misunderstanding of what I think and what I believe: climate change is real and fossil fuels lead to higher CO2 emissions, which in turn contribute to climate change,” he said.

“That’s been our view from the beginning and it continues to be our view.”

Anderson also praised a federal government announcement earlier this week that it will spend $1.5 billion over five years to improve ocean protection, including spill response, along Canada’s coastlines.

“It’s an important plan to be pursued by the federal government. We support it entirely,” he said.

Anderson went on to reiterate arguments in favour of his company’s $6.8-billion proposal for a pipeline expansion between Alberta and British Columbia to bring oilsands bitumen to Vancouver-area ports. Many First Nations and environmental groups fear the consequences of a spill and oppose the pipeline.

After extensive hearings, the National Energy Board has recommended that the line be built. The federal government has said it will make a decision by mid-December.

If all approvals are granted, the pipeline could be operating in 2019, Anderson said.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Kinder Morgan president backs off climate change remarks

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