Nisga'a Nation spearheads a major LNG project in British Columbia

The Ksi Lisims LNG project, led by the Nisg̱a’a Nation in British Columbia, faces intense scrutiny over its environmental impact and implications for Indigenous rights as it nears a production level comparable to the province's largest LNG operation.

Shannon Waters reports for The Narwhal.

In short:

• The Ksi Lisims LNG project, located in the Nass estuary near the Alaska border, aims to produce up to 12 million tonnes of LNG annually, rivaling the output of the larger LNG Canada.
• The project, led by the Nisg̱a’a Nation, has sparked concerns among other First Nations and environmentalists regarding its potential ecological impacts and implications for Indigenous rights.
• While proponents argue the project could help reduce global reliance on coal by providing cleaner fuel options, significant environmental and social challenges remain.

Key quote:

“I know the environmental assessment office takes that challenge very, very seriously and it is a difficult challenge. Like anything in society, not everybody agrees.”

— B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman

Why this matters:

Nestled in an area known for its rich biodiversity, the Nass estuary is home to numerous species of fish, birds, and other wildlife, making it a critical habitat that environmentalists argue must be preserved. The production of LNG, while cleaner than other fossil fuels like coal and oil, still involves processes that can lead to the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This is particularly concerning in a time when there is global pressure to reduce emissions and transition toward renewable energy sources.

Related EHN coverage:

• LNG production comes with a price, Gulf Coast communities warn
• Derrick Z. Jackson: Natural gas vs. renewable energy — beware the latest gas industry talking points