In response to Premier Tim Houston’s request, Ottawa has agreed to collaborate with Nova Scotia on evaluating the potential effects of offshore oil and gas drilling, an industry that Houston aims to revitalize after a period of inactivity. Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin informed the premier through a public letter that a regional assessment would be initiated.
Dabrusin emphasized the importance of a regional assessment in examining the impacts of future development activities and enhancing the federal impact assessment process. These assessments, managed by Dabrusin’s department, analyze the overall effects of industrial projects in a designated region. They differ from impact assessments by considering cumulative and interactive effects of multiple projects rather than focusing on individual projects.
Houston, who serves as the Minister for the Department of Energy, expressed optimism about the collaboration with federal partners on the regional assessment. He highlighted the potential for the assessment to expedite regulatory approvals and enhance Nova Scotia’s competitiveness in the global energy sector.
While Houston pushes for the resurgence of offshore gas production, some critics, like Thomas Arnason McNeil from the Ecology Action Centre, question the wisdom of investing resources in oil and gas development. McNeil advocates for a stronger focus on renewable energy initiatives, such as battery storage, to propel Nova Scotia’s energy sector forward.
Despite differing opinions, Houston remains committed to diversifying the province’s energy portfolio. In addition to reviving offshore gas exploration, he is actively promoting the expansion of offshore wind projects and exploring opportunities for onshore gas development. The Independent Energy System Operator in Nova Scotia is also considering the construction of new gas power plants to meet energy demands.
Seeking a swift assessment process, Houston has requested the regional assessment to be completed within six months, aiming for a more efficient timeline compared to previous assessments in other regions. Dabrusin concurs with the expedited timeline and anticipates the completion of the assessment by fall, leveraging insights from previous assessments to guide the current evaluation.
Early discussions between Ottawa and Nova Scotia have commenced, although a formal plan for the project has yet to be established. The collaborative efforts aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential impacts of offshore oil and gas activities on Nova Scotia’s environment and economy.