What could be B.C.B次元官网网址檚 first liquefied natural gas export project has received its federal export licence, a step towards what global investors have considered a major industry for B.C.

Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr announced the 40-year licence Monday for Woodfibre LNG. It is the 24th federal LNG export licence issued by Ottawa, and it represents another division between the B.C. NDP and B.C. Green Party as they move toward an alliance to take over the B.C. government.

NDP leader John Horgan has spoken in favour of Woodfibre, a former pulp mill site that is being cleaned up by investors to prepare for a small-scale export terminal using an existing pipeline route. Green leader Andrew Weaver is adamantly opposed to it.

B次元官网网址淭his is the wrong project, in the wrong place, at the wrong time,B次元官网网址� Weaver said of Woodfibre last year. B次元官网网址淚t will hurt our climate leadership. It lacks a strong economic case, and it has received no social licence for what is being pushed forward.B次元官网网址�

When project was announced in November 2016, Horgan said B次元官网网址淏.C.B次元官网网址檚 New Democrats are supportive of Woodfibre LNG and the jobs and economic activity it will bring to our province.B次元官网网址�

Weaver said Woodfibre received its federal environmental approval under federal rules set by the former Conservative government in Ottawa, using the B.C. environmental assessment that he did not consider adequate.

Carr, to the Canadian embassy in China Monday, was bullish on the prospects for LNG from the B.C. coast, despite soft international prices as many new sources are developed around the world with advanced hydraulic fracturing.

B次元官网网址淲e know there is tremendous demand for natural gas, especially in the fast-growing countries of Asia,B次元官网网址� Carr said. B次元官网网址淭he approval of Woodfibre LNGB次元官网网址檚 40-year export licence provides certainty for investors while creating jobs for Canadians as the world moves toward a low-carbon future.B次元官网网址�