Debate: Greenpeace vs. Marin Katusa on Northern Gateway pipeline

Summary

In this debate at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference, Rex Wier, co-founder of Greenpeace, and Marin Katusa, chief energy investment strategist at Casey Research, discuss the controversial Northern Gateway pipeline. Wier highlights the environmental risks, particularly the threat of oil spills and the damaging effects of tar sands oil. Katusa argues for the economic benefits of the pipeline, emphasizing the need for infrastructure upgrades and job creation. Despite their differences, both agree on the importance of sensible solutions to energy development and the necessity of balancing environmental and economic concerns in Canada’s energy future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rex Wier opposes the Northern Gateway pipeline primarily due to environmental concerns, particularly the risk of oil spills on British Columbia's coast, which could severely impact local ecosystems and industries like fishing and tourism.
• 😀 Marin Katusa supports the pipeline, arguing that it could bring significant economic benefits to Canada by reducing the oil price differential between Canada and the U.S., and providing government revenue and job opportunities.
• 😀 Rex highlights the environmental dangers of transporting bitumen, which is harder to clean and more ecologically destructive than conventional oil, citing past spills such as the Kalamazoo River incident as examples of the risks involved.
• 😀 Marin proposes the use of environmental bonds as a safeguard to mitigate risks, ensuring that companies like Enbridge are held accountable for any environmental damage that may occur during construction and operation of the pipeline.
• 😀 Both parties acknowledge that no pipeline or transport method can guarantee 100% safety, with Rex pointing out the limitations of current spill cleanup technologies, and Marin emphasizing improvements in safety procedures and technology.
• 😀 Rex argues that the environmental damage caused by the pipeline and oil sands development, including increased cancer rates in Alberta, outweighs the economic benefits, and that Canada should focus on developing clean energy alternatives instead.
• 😀 Marin suggests that upgrading existing infrastructure is a key priority to reduce the risk of spills, advocating for smarter solutions such as pipeline modernization rather than relying on rail transport, which he claims has a higher spill risk.
• 😀 Indigenous opposition to the pipeline is a major point of contention, with Rex emphasizing that Indigenous communities have the right to oppose projects that affect their lands and resources, while Marin argues that with proper safeguards, the pipeline could still proceed.
• 😀 Rex is firmly against expanding Canada’s oil sands production, suggesting that Canada should focus on transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as geothermal, wind, and solar, and localizing refining industries to keep more economic value in Canada.
• 😀 Marin acknowledges the need for a diversified energy strategy but believes that oil will continue to be an essential part of Canada’s energy mix for the foreseeable future, with the oil industry already making significant investments in green energy projects.
• 😀 Rex warns that the economic benefits touted by proponents of the pipeline, such as job creation and increased revenue, could be wiped out by the environmental risks and damage to Canada’s reputation if a major oil spill occurs.
• 😀 Both Rex and Marin agree that transitioning to a green energy future is necessary, but Rex advocates for a much faster shift away from fossil fuels, while Marin believes a gradual transition alongside continued oil development is a more realistic approach.

Q & A

What are the primary concerns raised by Rex Wier about the Northern Gateway pipeline?

Rex Wier's main concerns include the risk of oil spills, particularly on British Columbia's coast, which could negatively affect the fishing and tourism industries. He also highlights the environmental impact of tar sands oil, which is more difficult and expensive to clean up than conventional oil, and the long-term ecological damage associated with petroleum coke, a byproduct of tar sands oil.

How does Marin Katusa justify his support for the Northern Gateway pipeline?

Marin Katusa supports the pipeline because he believes it offers sensible economic solutions, such as addressing the oil price differential between Canada and the U.S. He argues that Canadian oil is more ethical than oil produced in other regions, like Nigeria or Russia, and emphasizes the need for upgraded infrastructure to reduce risks and ensure responsible energy development.

What is the concept of 'environmental bonds' discussed by Marin Katusa?

Environmental bonds are financial reserves that companies, like Enbridge, would put aside to cover potential environmental damage. This ensures accountability in case of an oil spill or other environmental disaster. These bonds would be held in trust with the government and are designed to provide funds for long-term environmental protection and remediation.

What is the difference between the risks of oil spills from pipelines versus rail transport, according to Marin Katusa?

Katusa points out that oil spills from railcars are statistically more likely than from pipelines, with government data showing that rail transport is 34 times more likely to result in spills. He emphasizes the need to upgrade existing pipeline infrastructure rather than relying on rail to transport oil.

How does Rex Wier respond to Marin Katusa’s argument about the frequency of oil spills from everyday activities like lawnmowers and gas stations?

Rex acknowledges that everyday activities like lawnmowers and gas stations contribute to oil spills but argues that these small spills are not comparable to the large-scale ecological risks posed by pipeline disasters, particularly in marine environments like British Columbia's coast.

What role do Indigenous communities play in the opposition to the Northern Gateway pipeline?

Indigenous communities in British Columbia are strongly opposed to the pipeline, arguing that it would violate their land rights and expose their territories to environmental risks. Rex Wier emphasizes the importance of listening to these communities, as their opposition is rooted in concerns for their land, water, and traditional ways of life.

What is Marin Katusa’s stance on transitioning to renewable energy sources?

While Katusa acknowledges the need for a transition to renewable energy, he argues that this must be done gradually. He believes that Canada can continue to develop its oil resources responsibly while also investing in cleaner energy sources. He also emphasizes the role of oil companies in funding renewable energy projects.

Why does Rex Wier believe the Northern Gateway pipeline will not be built?

Rex believes that the pipeline will not be built because of the strong opposition from Indigenous communities and the general public. He is confident that the pipeline will face significant resistance, which he argues will ultimately prevent its construction.

What economic benefits does Marin Katusa see in the Northern Gateway pipeline for Canada?

Katusa argues that the pipeline would provide significant economic benefits, including job creation, increased government revenue, and the modernization of Canada's energy infrastructure. He suggests that properly planned and executed, the pipeline could be a net positive for both British Columbia and Canada as a whole.

How do Rex Wier and Marin Katusa differ in their views on Canada's energy future?

Rex Wier advocates for a shift away from fossil fuels and a focus on renewable energy sources, citing the dangers of global warming and the health impacts of oil production. He believes the pipeline will exacerbate these issues. Marin Katusa, on the other hand, supports continued oil development, arguing that Canadian oil is more ethical and that the country should fully exploit its resources while investing in renewable energy alongside conventional energy.