How the NEB causes Pipeline Spills

Why do Pipeline Spills Happen and Cleanups Drag On? Because under the current system, they can.
 
By Dave Core

We can’t say we’re shocked. Or even surprised.

Two and a half years after the worst pipeline spill in US history, Enbridge, the company responsible, is still dragging its feet on the clean up.

The story linked to is by a publication not especially crazy about the oil sands, or even the use of oil at all.

But it is nonetheless a thorough report detailing damage done to the local ecosystem and even business community as a result of Enbridge’s calamitous Kalamazoo oil spill a few summers ago.

Two inescapable conclusions can be drawn, but weren’t, by the reporter and those she quoted: regulatory regimes not only can’t prevent pipeline spills, they can’t enforce cleanup after, either. Click here to read more.

Stop Protecting Pipelines from Liability: Protect Landowner Property Rights Instead.

By CAEPLA Staff

Hate to say we told you so.

But CAEPLA has been arguing for years that regulators don’t really act in the public interest but rather serve to protect particular industries.

Such as the National Energy Board (NEB) protecting pipelines.

Confirmation of this point of view came this week from the government itself. That’s right — the same government that sponsors the NEB.

Canada’s Environment Commissioner says Federal regulations fail to protect the environment and economy from industrial development.

Turns out liability limits set for environmental catastrophes – such as, for instance, a serious pipeline spill – have been capped to reduce the exposure of polluting corporations to the real costs of cleanups. Click here to read the whole article.

Does Anybody Trust Pipeline Companies? Public Wants Assurance, Landowners Need Insurance.

By Dave Core

Well, I have pipelines in my backyard and I cannot trust the pipeline companies — or the government and its regulator, the National Energy Board. None will sign an iron clad contract that includes the oversight and discipline of insurance for these pipelines.
Worse, the NEB can make changes to agreements – “deals” we are forced to sign — at any time simply by changing the regulations, which they have done many times. Click here to read more.