Title: Legal Challenges Question Status of B.C. Gas Pipeline Project

VANCOUVER — Two legal challenges have been filed in British Columbia regarding the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission natural gas pipeline project. The petitions assert that the project has not been "substantially started," contradicting a provincial government decision made in June. The B.C. Environment Ministry had declared that the project was sufficiently underway, allowing it to proceed without a new environmental assessment certificate, which was originally issued in 2014.

One of the petitions was submitted by hereditary Chief Charles Wright of the Gitxsan Nation. He argues that the decision to allow the pipeline to traverse his clan's territory was made without adequate consultation. Wright contends that the pipeline route crosses through areas of significant cultural importance and that the land could be "irrevocably altered" as a result of the project.

Wright stated, "This legal action isn’t about stopping the pipeline altogether, but that the project is relying on an outdated assessment." He expressed concern that the province's decision has created a situation that could lead to conflict in the region.

The 900-kilometer pipeline is intended to supply the Ksi Lisims liquefied natural gas facility located off the B.C. coast. However, that facility is still undergoing its own environmental assessment process. The B.C. Environment Ministry's June announcement confirmed that the environmental assessment certificate from 2014 remains valid due to the project being deemed "substantially started."

In addition to Wright's petition, a coalition of community groups has also filed a legal challenge against the pipeline. This coalition includes the Kispiox Valley Community Centre Association, the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition, and local resident Kathy Larson. They argue that the pipeline has not made significant progress and that the original environmental assessment certificate expired last November.

Environmental lawyers from Ecojustice, representing the coalition, stated that the project has been largely inactive for nearly a decade. They noted that only a small portion of the pipeline route has seen any tree clearing and that limited supporting infrastructure has been built. Ecojustice lawyer Matt Hulse emphasized that the province should adhere to its own regulations, which require a new environmental assessment if construction has not significantly commenced by the established deadline.

The province's Environment Assessment Office reported that the company behind the project, Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Ltd., has invested $584 million from 2013 to 2024 to advance the project. However, the office acknowledged that most public feedback indicated the project had not been substantially started. Concerns raised included greenhouse gas emissions and the status of necessary permits for the facility that will receive gas from the pipeline.

Chief Executive Assessment Officer Alex MacLennan noted that while there was opposition to the project, the current issue was not about public interest but rather the validity of the previous certificate. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Parks stated that the province cannot comment on ongoing legal matters.

This report was first published on September 29, 2025.