Pipelines and participation:
Radical rhetoric, planning and public interest

There has been significant ink devoted to the recent pipeline proposals in the United States and Canada linking oilsands production to world markets.  There has also been some interesting rhetoric being thrown around by the federal government and others lobbying in support of these projects.

In my opinion the “radical” rhetoric results in one primary reaction among those opposing the Northern Gateway and Keystone pipelines.   Opponents, recognizing attempts to marginalize their opinions, will undoubtedly feel embattled and emboldened in their positions.  It is also unlikely that such rhetoric will shift public opinion to any great degree.  There are, and will always be, those who will feel the risks associated with pipelines and tanker traffic off the West Coast, in the case of the Northern Gateway Pipeline, are not worth the risks to land, water and biodiversity and others who feel the benefits outweigh those risks.

Read “Pipelines and participation: Radical rhetoric, planning and public interest” on the ELC blog.

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