A
decision Thursday that allows the Mackenzie Valley natural gas pipeline
from the Arctic to Alberta to be built was welcomed by the oilpatch and
decried by environmentalists.

Both sides agreed,
however, that actually getting the $16.2-billion project sanctioned in a
low gas price environment – while dealing with the 264 conditions
attached to the National Energy Board’s OK – is unlikely at best.

“Today
is a day to celebrate getting to a decision point,” said Brenda Kenny,
president of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association.

“This
is a project that would put an important stamp on the overall
infrastructure for Canada, open a brand new supply basin and provide
thousands of jobs that would not occur otherwise.”

But
Sierra Club adviser Stephen Hazell and Kevin O’Reilly of the
environmental group Alternative North, both interveners in the hearings,
said they found the decision lacking when it comes to sustainability
and protecting the northern environment.

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