Shale Gas Issues from Various Jurisdictions

Shale Gas Issues From Various Jurisdictions ...... 5 Foreword ...... 5 Calls for Moratoriums and Bans ...... 7 Minister signals ban on fracking to continue in Ireland ...... 7 Fracking company leaves province with the cleanup ...... 7 Contamination and Science ...... 8 EPA Watered Down Major Fracking Study to Downplay Water Contamination Risks ...... 8 EPA Releases Final Report on Impacts from Hydraulic Fracturing Activities on Drinking Water ...... 8 Renewable Energy ...... 10 Norway's Biggest Oil Company to Build Huge Offshore Wind Farm Off Coast of New York ...... 10 Wind and Solar Are Crushing Fossil Fuels ...... 10 Las Vegas' City Government Is Now Powered Entirely by Renewable Energy ...... 10 World's Largest Solar Project Would Generate Electricity 24 Hours a Day, Power 1 Million U.S. Homes ...... 11 Science and Health ...... 12 Alberta doctor tells U.S.: Canada is ‘lying’ about tar sands’ health effects ...... 12 Economics, Legal, and Investigations ...... 13 Arctic hamlet takes land battle to Canada's highest court ...... 13 Supreme Court case could change natural resource development in Canada ...... 13 Regulations ...... 15 Environment and Enjoyment of Property ...... 16 Climate change already major security threat – military chiefs ...... 16 TED’s Science Curator Sees Hope in Earth’s Anthropocene Age Embedded video ...... 16 Unprecedented 'Super Fires' Devastate Smoky Mountains, 7 Dead ...... 16 Canadians Talk Climate Action ...... 17 Four major cities move to ban diesel vehicles by 2025 ...... 17 We Hold Truths to be Self-Evident - James Hansen ...... 18 Losses of soil carbon under global warming might equal US emissions ...... 18 Blame for Extinction Spreads to Methane Gas ...... 18 Sea ice hits record lows ...... 19 Methane surge needs 'urgent attention' ...... 19 Studies open deep history of Greenland's ice sheet—and raise new questions about its stability . 20 Canadian Prairies shrinking faster than Amazon Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef ...... 20 Stunning Photos Show Huge Crack in Antarctic Ice Shelf ...... 21 Climate change: evidence and causes – The Royal Society ...... 21 Cheetahs heading towards extinction as population crashes ...... 21 Government, Meetings, News, and Letters ...... 23 Parlee's pollution problem: 'Politicians are getting in the way' ...... 23 Apparently Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr supports anything to do with oil/bitumen extraction...... 23 Liberal minister says those who protest pipelines less than peacefully will face the Canadian military ...... 23 New Brunswick News ...... 24 Irving Pulp and Paper charged with dumping into St. John River ...... 24 Wolastoq Grand Council will have another day in court to protect Mount Carleton Provincial Park ...... 24 Maritime News ...... 26 Fracking company leaves province with the cleanup ...... 26 Canadian News ...... 27 Canada’s $7 Billion Dam Tests the Limits of State Power ...... 27 Is the Site C dam’s electricity destined for LNG Industry? ...... 27

1 Other News ...... 28 Cruising for a bruising: Carnival owned cruise line fined $40mn for polluting ocean ...... 28 She says Canadians are ripping up her Colorado community ...... 28 The Just 100: America's Best Corporate Citizens In 2016 ...... 28 700+ Acres of Ohio's Only National Forest Sold for Fracking ...... 29 Water ...... 30 EPA Rules in Penobscot Tribe’s Favor in Water Quality Dispute ...... 30 Fracking and Earthquakes ...... 31 Oil and Pipelines ...... 32 John Ivison: Front line in pipeline wars moves east ...... 32 Alberta premier won't remove Tzeporah Berman from oilsands advisory group ...... 32 Our ‘National Disgrace’: The Crime at Standing Rock ...... 32 Patagonian Assembly Against Extraction Industries: Reportback from Chile ...... 33 Energy East opponents want inquiry of pipeline regulator after invitation from Irving Oil employee ...... 33 Apparently Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr supports anything to do with oil/bitumen extraction...... 34 Liberal minister says those who protest pipelines less than peacefully will face the Canadian military ...... 34 Liberal campaign co-chair steps down after advising TransCanada on lobbying next government 34 ‘Wanna burn the US constitution? Shoot at us first’: Veterans prepare to aid DAPL protesters Video ...... 34 Randall Beach: From East Rock to Standing Rock, ‘Lolly be healing’ the trauma ...... 35 Justice Department Must Investigate Policing of Standing Rock Demonstrations ...... 35 David Suzuki expresses his thoughts on oil spill clean up efforts in Gogama, Ont ...... 36 Cbc In Standing Rock North Dakota Pipeline Protest: Bismarck-Mandan Divided Over Out-Of- Towners ...... 36 Army Halts Construction Of Dakota Access Pipeline ...... 37 The victory at Standing Rock could mark a turning point ...... 37 Revenge of the comment section: Everyone's upset about pipelines ...... 37 Revenge of the comment section: Everyone's upset about pipelines ...... 38 Energy East is still needed despite approval of western pipelines, Brian Gallant argues ...... 38 'I'm here until they're done': Standing Rock protesters savour a victory, but not packing up just yet ...... 39 Trudeau pipeline approval could harm relations for 'generations', says Chief Thomas ...... 39 Sackville, New Brunswick poised to take a stand as a climate leader and say NO to Energy East 40 Veterans at Standing Rock shock tribe members, beg forgiveness for war crimes against tribal nations ...... 41 "We beg for your forgiveness." Veterans to Native elders in Standing Rock ceremony ...... 41 Four Harsh Truths for Canada’s Lovestruck Pipeline Politicians ...... 41 Trump advisors aim to privatize oil-rich Indian reservations ...... 41 Trump sells his stake in Dakota Access Pipeline developer ...... 42 Supreme Court case could change natural resource development in Canada ...... 42 Fighting Energy East is more important than ever ...... 43 Tar Sands - Water Defense ...... 44 Tar Sands Fever! ...... 44 Top 10 Facts About the Alberta Oil Sands ...... 45 North Dakota crude pipeline shut down after spill ...... 45 Susan Sarandon Talks Bank Exit following Dakota Pipeline | Chelsea | Netflix ...... 45 David Coon questions motion by Liberals, PCs to support Energy East ...... 46 CBC The National - Is Canada ready for an oil spill? Video ...... 46

2 Pipeline Protesters Arrested in Alpine, TX ...... 47 Massive Oil Spill ‘The Size of Seven Football Fields” Found In North Dakota ...... 47 Proposed natural gas pipeline to East Coast must overcome long odds, skeptics say ...... 47 'Clearly not over': Dakota Access Pipeline saga goes to court in 2017 ...... 48 The U.S. Army Corps has agreed to raise the water level at Lake Oahe ...... 48 Oil that doesn’t float: Tar sands oil shipped through Gulf of Maine poses threat ...... 48 Kirchmeier, Morton County sued for excessive force in protests ...... 49 Carbon tax revenues should go to oil industry, says CAPP ...... 50 Property tax concessions have cost N.B. nearly $380M over 40 years ...... 50 Ottawa announces new National Energy Board members to review Energy East pipeline Video .. 50 Federal natural resources hire raises worry ...... 51 176,000-gallon North Dakota pipeline leak wasn’t detected by electronic equipment ...... 51 Trump, Putin, and ExxonMobil team up to destroy the planet ...... 51 Why Alberta oil will be California-bound ...... 53 Stop The Suwannee River Crossing! ...... 53 Diesel spill in Grand Manan harbour left unattended for two weeks ...... 53 The Sinking and Raising of the Irving Whale - 12 news articles ...... 54 As new NEB members appointed, Energy East hearings must be reset ...... 54 Energy East Pipeline Project ...... 54 MPMO Tracker (Major Projects Management Office) ...... 54 Gulf of St. Lawrence vs. Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board? ...... 55 Wolastoq Grand Council is my pick for one of the most compelling presentations against Energy East in 2016 ...... 55 Norwegian giant pulls out of Alberta's oilsands ...... 56 Irving Oil, Trans Canada and Submerged Crown Land ...... 56 Energy East Pipeline to Nova Scotia: Will First Nations Have a Big Say? ...... 57 Obama invokes 1953 law to indefinitely block drilling in Arctic and Atlantic oceans ...... 58 Province says it won't release Husky records despite privacy commissioner's recommendation ... 58 Bear Paw project gets approval ...... 59 Peru’s Amazon Tribes Will Risk Their Lives to Stop Oil Drilling ...... 59 Trudeau Touts Trump's Support for Keystone XL ...... 60 Wind and Solar Are Crushing Fossil Fuels ...... 60 BP pipeline ruptures into CO river ...... 61 Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton & Kent County chapters oppose TransCanada greenwash donation to literacy program ...... 61 TransCanada pays Ontario town cash for silence on Energy East pipeline ...... 61 Pipeline controversy, progress named business story of the year ...... 62 Irving Oil’s president says it would keep Saudi imports even if Energy East goes ahead ...... 62 Time for a Reminder: Energy East would be an Export Pipeline ...... 62 Alberta doctor tells U.S.: Canada is ‘lying’ about tar sands’ health effects ...... 63 Mining ...... 64 Patagonian Assembly Against Extraction Industries: Reportback from Chile ...... 64 A youtube search for river in colorado turns yellow finds several videos ...... 64 ‘Colossal damage’: Navajo Nation sues US govt for $160mn over Colorado mine spill ...... 64 International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) ...... 64 Thousands of Snow Geese Die in Montana Open Pit Mine ...... 65 ICMM review of the management of tailings dams ...... 65 BHP Billiton is a founding member of ICMM ...... 65 As Mining Giant Flails, Human Toll from Brazil Dam Disaster Ticks Up ...... 65 Brazil charges BHP and Vale staff over mine collapse ...... 66 Forestry ...... 67

3 Forestry 2.0 WoodsCamp brings logging into the 21st Century ...... 67 SSNB (Stop Spraying in New Brunswick) has the largest petition that has EVER happened in New Brunswick ...... 67 Three videos by Charles Leblanc from his Blog at: ...... 68 New Brunswick Environment Minister Serge Rousselle meets Anti Sprayers Protesters in front of New Brunswick Legislature!!!!! ...... 68 Anti Sprayer Protesters at the Legislature are coming from all over the Province of New Brunswick!!!! ...... 68 New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon meets Anti Spraying Protesters at Legislature!! ...... 68 Green Party leader tables bill to update archaic crown lands legislation ...... 68 Property tax concessions have cost N.B. nearly $380M over 40 years ...... 68 Private gain, public pain: trouble in New Brunswick Crown forests ...... 69 Video Links ...... 70 We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident ...... 70 USA: Military veterans come out in support of Oceti Sakowin Camp ...... 70 David Suzuki expresses his thoughts on oil spill clean up efforts in Gogama, Ont ...... 70 A youtube search for river in colorado turns yellow finds several videos ...... 70 "We beg for your forgiveness." Veterans to Native elders in Standing Rock ceremony ...... 70 Three videos by Charles Leblanc from his Blog at: ...... 70 New Brunswick Environment Minister Serge Rousselle meets Anti Sprayers Protesters in front of New Brunswick Legislature!!!!! ...... 70 Anti Sprayer Protesters at the Legislature are coming from all over the Province of New Brunswick!!!! ...... 70 New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon meets Anti Spraying Protesters at Legislature!! ...... 70 Susan Sarandon Talks Bank Exit following Dakota Pipeline | Chelsea | Netflix ...... 71 CBC The National - Is Canada ready for an oil spill? Video ...... 71

4 Shale Gas Issues From Various Jurisdictions

Foreword

The following documents have been collected by searching the web for information related to shale gas and from the Following web sites and

New Brunswick is NOT For Sale http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_132079906855023

New Brunswickers Concerned About Shale Gas http://www.facebook.com/ccnbshalegas

Ban Hydraulic Fracturing (hydro-fracking) In New Brunswick, Canada http://www.facebook.com/BanFrackingNB

Know Shale Gas NB – Support the legal action to stop Shale Gas in NB http://noshalegasnb.ca/news

NoShaleGasNB http://www.facebook.com/NoShaleGasNB

Shale Gas Info http://www.facebook.com/shalegas

Upriver Environment Watch http://www.facebook.com/groups/UpRiver/

Fracidental Drillers http://www.facebook.com/groups/133930663364584/

Fracking Research and New Brunswick, Canada http://nbfrackingresearch.com/

Facebook Groups: USA - A FACEBOOK FULL OF FRACTIVISTS: State-by-State Listings http://keeptapwatersafe.org/facebook-groups-usa/

Propublica – Links to many articles on Fracking http://www.propublica.org/series/fracking

Another good site: Fracking, Shale Gas and Health http://frackingandhealth.ca/

Is Our Forest Really Ours? http://isourforestreallyours.com/Isourforestreallyours/Welcome.html http://isourforestreallyours.com/Isourforestreallyours/Start_here.html https://www.facebook.com/groups/132079906855023/#!/groups/258525050949366/

More facebook information https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=617426124942641

5 United Opponents of Fracking International http://portjervisny.com/uaf.htm

SHALE GAS ALERTS NEW BRUNSWICK https://www.facebook.com/groups/112468105590081/? hc_location=stream#!/groups/112468105590081/

New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance / anti-gaz de schiste du N.-B http://www.noshalegasnb.ca/our-resources/

Frack , facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/187245954789252/

6 Calls for Moratoriums and Bans

Minister signals ban on fracking to continue in Ireland

Decision on controversial process welcomed by green lobby comes on back of EPA report

The prohibition on fracking is to continue in Ireland. Fracking is the extraction of natural gas by pumping high pressure water and chemicals into shale formations deep underground.

Environmental groups welcomed the decision of the Minister responsible for the area, arguing that the activity represented a substantial risk to health.

Minister for the Environment Denis Naughten’s decision came as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report on fracking. http://www.irishtimes.com/news/science/minister-signals-ban-on-fracking-to-continue-in-ireland- 1.2888182

Fracking company leaves province with the cleanup

(KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – Ten years after Nova Scotia enticed Triangle Petroleum to experiment with hydraulic fracturing for shale gas in Kennetcook, Hants County, it’s the province that is cleaning up the mess it left behind.

In 2007 Energy Department Petroleum Division staff began carefully shepherding Triangle’s approval applications along to make sure the company cleared the regulatory requirements of multiple departments. Ever since the department has taken a casual approach to whether Triangle met its regulatory commitments.

This summer the oil company filed for bankruptcy in the US. Triangle Petroleum is still operating, but the government of Nova Scotia is left taking care of cleanup at the six well sites around Hants County. This includes finishing the extensive cleanup of two fracking waste holding ponds, a project now managed by the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. https://nsadvocate.org/2016/12/14/fracking-company-leaves-province-with-the-cleanup/

7 Contamination and Science

EPA Watered Down Major Fracking Study to Downplay Water Contamination Risks

A stunning new report from Marketplace and APM Reports reveals that top U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials made critical, last-minute changes to the agency's major fracking assessment to soft-pedal clear evidence that the controversial drilling process contaminates the nation's water supplies.

We've already seen how fracking and drinking water do not mix, and even earlier versions of the EPA assessment said that spills are a problem. But on June 4, 2015, the agency released its executive summary and corresponding press materials with the misleading takeaway that "there is no evidence fracking has led to widespread, systemic impacts on drinking water resources."

The EPA's pro-fracking spin baffled many experts and scientists and contradicted what many landowners were seeing in their chemically laden water. Major media outlets also went with headlines that put fracking in the clear, such as the New York Times "Fracking Has Not Had Big Effect on Water Supply, E.P.A. Says While Noting Risks," NPR's "EPA Finds No Widespread Drinking Water Pollution From Fracking" and this CNN screenshot.

Big Oil and Gas, meanwhile, applauded the EPA's report, using it to push for more drilling. Erik Milito, a director at the American Petroleum Institute, told the New York Times that the EPA confirmed that "hydraulic fracturing is being done safely under the strong environmental stewardship of state regulators and industry best practices." http://www.ecowatch.com/epa-fracking-study-2121912963.html

EPA Releases Final Report on Impacts from Hydraulic Fracturing Activities on Drinking Water

EPA’s report concludes that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources under some circumstances and identifies factors that influence these impacts

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing its scientific report on the impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities on drinking water resources, which provides states and others the scientific foundation to better protect drinking water resources in areas where hydraulic fracturing is occurring or being considered. The report, done at the request of Congress, provides scientific evidence that hydraulic fracturing activities can impact drinking water resources in the United States under some circumstances. As part of the report, EPA identified conditions under which impacts from hydraulic fracturing activities can be more frequent or severe. The report also identifies uncertainties and data gaps. These uncertainties and data gaps limited EPA’s ability to fully assess impacts to drinking water resources both locally and nationally. These final conclusions are based upon review of over 1,200 cited scientific sources; feedback from an independent peer review conducted by EPA’s Science Advisory Board; input from engaged stakeholders; and new research conducted as part of the study.

"The value of high quality science has never been more important in helping to guide decisions around our nation’s fragile water resources. EPA's assessment provides the scientific foundation for local decision makers, industry, and communities that are looking to protect public health and drinking water resources and make more informed decisions about hydraulic fracturing activities,” said Dr. Thomas A. Burke, EPA's Science Advisor and Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Research and

8 Development. "This assessment is the most complete compilation to date of national scientific data on the relationship of drinking water resources and hydraulic fracturing." https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-releases-final-report-impacts-hydraulic-fracturing-activities- drinking-water

9 Renewable Energy

Norway's Biggest Oil Company to Build Huge Offshore Wind Farm Off Coast of New York

If everything goes to plan, New York City and Long Island will be harnessing the Atlantic Ocean's strong and dependable winds as a source of renewable energy.

Norway's biggest oil company will be developing an offshore wind farm outside of New York. Statoil submitted the winning bid of $42.5 million to the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management last Friday to lease nearly 80,000 acres of federal waters roughly 14 miles off the coast of Long Island, the Huffington Post reported.

The company estimates that the leased area could host a 1,000-megawatt offshore wind farm, with the first phase of development expected to begin with 400 to 600 megawatts. The first plan of action is to survey seabed conditions which can be as deep as 131 feet, grid connection options and wind resources at the site. http://www.ecowatch.com/new-york-offshore-wind-2159044577.html? utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=1dbef3fe6f- MailChimp+Email+Blast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-1dbef3fe6f-85372637

Wind and Solar Are Crushing Fossil Fuels

Record clean energy investment outpaces gas and coal 2 to 1.

Wind and solar have grown seemingly unstoppable.

While two years of crashing prices for oil, natural gas, and coal triggered dramatic downsizing in those industries, renewables have been thriving. Clean energy investment broke new records in 2015 and is now seeing twice as much global funding as fossil fuels.

One reason is that renewable energy is becoming ever cheaper to produce. Recent solar and wind auctions in Mexico and Morocco ended with winning bids from companies that promised to produce electricity at the cheapest rate, from any source, anywhere in the world, said Michael Liebreich, chairman of the advisory board for Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).

"We're in a low-cost-of-oil environment for the foreseeable future," Liebreich said during his keynote address at the BNEF Summit in New York on Tuesday. "Did that stop renewable energy investment? Not at all."

Here's what's shaping power markets, in six charts from BNEF: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-06/wind-and-solar-are-crushing-fossil-fuels

Las Vegas' City Government Is Now Powered Entirely by Renewable Energy

Just last week, Las Vegas announced it has reached its goal of powering the city governement entirely with renewable energy, meeting a goal the city has been working toward for nearly a decade. The goal

10 was reached with the launch of Boulder Solar 1, a 100-megawatt solar plant located just outside the city.

Las Vegas began its renewable energy project in 2008, reducing electricity usage through sustainability programs and installing solar panels on city buildings. Las Vegas will also receive power from Hoover Dam for the first time in its history, starting at the end of 2017.

The city has reduced its electricity usage by more than 30 percent due to these initiatives. Estimates place the city's yearly energy savings at approximately $5 million. http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/energy/a24372/las-vegas-renewable-energy/

World's Largest Solar Project Would Generate Electricity 24 Hours a Day, Power 1 Million U.S. Homes

The race to build the world's largest solar power plant is heating up. California-based energy company SolarReserve announced plans for a massive concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in Nevada that claims to be the largest of its kind once built.

SolarReserve CEO Kevin Smith told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that the $5 billion endeavor would generate between 1,500 and 2,000 megawatts of power, enough to power about 1 million homes. That amount of power is as much as a nuclear power plant, or the 2,000-megawatt Hoover Dam and far bigger than any other existing solar facility on Earth, the Review-Journal pointed out. http://www.ecowatch.com/worlds-largest-solar-project-nevada-2041546638.html? utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=a8b6c46792- MailChimp+Email+Blast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-a8b6c46792-85368257

11 Science and Health

Alberta doctor tells U.S.: Canada is ‘lying’ about tar sands’ health effects

American Senators told that oil sands are linked to a huge spike in cancer, despite Canadian government claims

A northern Alberta doctor warned U.S. Senators on what he says have been the devastating health impacts of the tar sands on families – effects, he says, that have been willfully “ignored” by the Canadian and Alberta governments.

“I appeal to you to keep up the pressure – this is an ongoing tragedy. A total disgrace,” said Dr. John O’Connor, Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

He cited statistics for rare cancers – of the bile duct for example – that have shot up 400 times for what is considered normal for a tiny community, such as Fort Chipewyan – which is downstream, to the north of the oil sands.

“These are published, peer-reviewed studies that indicate that the government of Alberta and Canada have been lying, misrepresenting the impact of industry on the environment,” said O’Connor.

The Alberta government has long denied cancer links with the province's multi-billion-dollar crown energy jewel. It states on its website that there is "insufficient evidence to link the incidence of cancer in Fort Chipewyan to oil sands operations" and rates of cancer are "within the expected range." http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/alberta-doctor-tells-us-canada-lying-about-tar-sands-health- effects

12 Economics, Legal, and Investigations

Arctic hamlet takes land battle to Canada's highest court

A tiny Inuit community battling to protect their land from oil and gas testing is taking its case to Canada's Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The people of Clyde River, Nunavut, say they were not consulted about the use of seismic testing to probe for reserves under the ocean.

Their campaign has been backed by celebrities Leonardo DiCaprio, Emma Thompson and Oprah Winfrey.

The Supreme Court hearing comes after nearly two years of failed appeals.

The community's legal battle has led to an unusual alliance with Greenpeace, which once opposed the Inuit on seal hunting. The campaign group is helping to pay for their legal fees. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38148952

Supreme Court case could change natural resource development in Canada

As dawn broke last Wednesday, more than 200 supporters of two indigenous groups challenging energy projects at the Supreme Court of Canada gathered on a small, uninhabited island in the Ottawa River, below Parliament Hill.

Shrouded in a light grey fog, they stood silently around a small open pit fire while Algonquins from local First Nation Kitigan Zibi conducted a sunrise ceremony of prayer, smudging and tobacco offerings. The mood was somber, but not oppressively so.

“Wednesday was quite an emotional day,” said Jerry Natanine, former mayor of Clyde River. Earlier in the week, Natanine travelled more than 2,800 kilometres from that tiny coastal hamlet in Baffin Island to witness his community’s day at the Supreme Court in Ottawa.

“We don’t do any smudging like that traditionally in the North,” Natanine told National Observer. “That was really good for me. It was so good.”

Less than an hour after the ceremony, around 8 a.m., some Inuit of Clyde River, Anishinaabeg of Deshkaan Ziibing (known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation), their lawyers and spectators filed into the Supreme Court. Within an hour they filled the courtroom and three overflow viewing areas.

The Supreme Court is examining challenges by the two groups to the federal government's assertion that the Crown's duty to consult with First Nations may be adequately fulfilled by the federal energy and pipeline regulator, the National Energy Board (NEB).

If successful, the legal challenges could overturn NEB project approvals issued in 2014. The Clyde River case is against seismic testing for oil off the coast of Baffin Island and Deshkaan Ziibing’s case involves Enbridge’s Line 9 oil pipeline expansion project in Ontario and Quebec.

13 Success at the Supreme Court could also give First Nations legal ammunition to challenge two pipeline projects in Western Canada— Line 3 and Trans Mountain — approved by Prime Minster Justin Trudeau last week. http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/12/05/news/supreme-court-case-could-change-natural- resource-development-canada

14 Regulations

15 Environment and Enjoyment of Property

Climate change already major security threat – military chiefs

Climate change and the ‘unimaginable’ refugee crisis which will follow is a threat right now and shouldn’t be seen merely as something which may emerge in the future, military chiefs have said.

Speaking ahead of a major London conference on security and the climate, serving and retired military figures said climate change was already exacerbating more conventional threats to stability.

The ‘Security and Climate Change: Are we Living in 'The Age of Consequences?’ conference will be held at the Chatham House think-tank. Speakers include senior UK, American and Bangladeshi military officers.

“Climate change is the greatest security threat of the 21st century,” said Major General Munir Muniruzzaman, who chairs the Global Military Advisory Council on climate change.

He said that in even a small rise in sea levels in his native Bangladesh could trigger “refugee problems on an unimaginable scale, potentially above 30 million people.”

US General Stephen Cheney, who sits on the US Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Policy Board, said climate change “could lead to a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. https://www.rt.com/uk/368853-climate-change-security-threat/

TED’s Science Curator Sees Hope in Earth’s Anthropocene Age Embedded video

Earlier this month I had a chat on the fate of the planet and humanity in a Brooklyn bookstore with David Biello, who recently became curator of science at TED (as in talks) after many years at Scientific American. The subject was his first book, “Unnatural World: The Race to Remake Civilization in Earth’s Newest Age” — a brisk, unsettling and, yes, hopeful, guide to the Anthropocene. We also touched on my recent magazine essay, “An Anthropocene Journey.”

The discussion was happily recorded by Heleo, a web enterprise devoted to fostering consequential conversations. Read on for excerpts from the video and Heleo’s helpful transcript, but I encourage you to watch and/or read the longer conversation at the links below: http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/11/30/teds-science-curator-sees-hope-in-the-anthropocene/? em_pos=small&emc=edit_ty_20161201&nl=opinion- today&nl_art=12&nlid=40689718&ref=headline&te=1&_r=1

Unprecedented 'Super Fires' Devastate Smoky Mountains, 7 Dead

Wildfires have devastated eastern Tennessee. The blaze has claimed seven lives, forced about 14,000 people to evacuate and destroyed hundreds of buildings in Sevier County.

The wildfires started Sunday from the Great Smoky Mountains and was carried by nearly 90mph winds into the city of Gatlinburg by Monday. Making matters worse, the strong winds also knocked over power

16 lines, sparking even more fires. National Park Service spokeswoman Dana Soehn told CNN that investigators believe the fire started on a mountain trail and was "human caused."

As of Wednesday night, the main fire has only been 10 percent contained, fire commanders told NBC News.

More than 17,000 acres in the Great Smoky Mountains have been scorched, causing untold damage to wildlife and other natural resources.

"The Great Smoky Mountains are one of the most biologically diverse places in the United States, partly due to the geologically ancient nature of the landscape, as well as the wet and humid forests covering their slopes and hollows," Bruce Stein, associate vice president for conservation science and climate adaptation at the National Wildlife Federation, said. http://www.ecowatch.com/wildfires-smoky-mountains-2119864619.html? utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=5ff3bbe5c9- MailChimp+Email+Blast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-5ff3bbe5c9-85899661

Canadians Talk Climate Action

Results of federal climate town halls show participating canadians think fossil fuel subsidies and pipelines do not belong in canada's climate plan

November 22, 2016, Ottawa—A new report that analyzed responses to the federal government’s request for public input on climate action at town halls and on social media shows engaged Canadians think pipelines and fossil fuel subsidies do not belong in Canada’s climate plan. http://act.leadnow.ca/peoples-climate-plan-report/

The report https://s3.amazonaws.com/leadnow/climate+campaign/Peoples+climate+plan/PCPreport_ENG.pdf https://s3.amazonaws.com/leadnow/climate+campaign/Peoples+climate+plan/PCPreport_FR.pdf

Four major cities move to ban diesel vehicles by 2025

The leaders of four major global cities say they will stop the use of all diesel-powered cars and trucks by the middle of the next decade.

The mayors of Paris, Mexico City, Madrid and Athens say they are implementing the ban to improve air quality.

They say they will give incentives for alternative vehicle use and promote walking and cycling.

The commitments were made in Mexico at a biennial meeting of city leaders. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38170794

17 We Hold Truths to be Self-Evident - James Hansen

Sophie, my oldest grandchild, and I made a video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu8AYvT0u3I) concerning the crucial issue of how the climate matter can be solved in democracies.

Stopping human-made climate change is inherently difficult, because of the nature of the climate system: it is massive, so it responds only slowly to forcings; and, unfortunately, the feedbacks in the climate system are predominately amplifying on time scales of decades-centuries. The upshot is that there is already much more climate change “in the pipeline” without any further increase of atmospheric greenhouse gases (GHGs). That does not mean the problem is unsolvable, but it does mean that we will need to decrease the amount of GHGs in the relatively near future.

The ponderous response of the climate system also means that we don’t need to instantaneously reduce GHG amounts. However, despite uncertainties about some climate processes, we know enough to say that the time scale on which we must begin to reduce atmospheric GHG amounts is measured in decades, not centuries. Given the fact that the fastest time scale to replace energy systems is decades, that means that we must get the political processes moving now. And that won’t happen until the public has understanding of what is actually needed and demands it. http://www.columbia.edu/~jeh1/mailings/2016/20161202_SelfEvidentComm.pdf

We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu8AYvT0u3I

Losses of soil carbon under global warming might equal US emissions

A new Yale-led study in the journal Nature finds that warming will drive the loss of at least 55 trillion kilograms of carbon from the soil by mid-century, or about 17% more than the projected emissions due to human-related activities during that period. That would be roughly the equivalent of adding to the planet another industrialized country the size of the United States.

Critically, the researchers found that carbon losses will be greatest in the world's colder places, at high latitudes, locations that had largely been missing from previous research. In those regions, massive stocks of carbon have built up over thousands of years and slow microbial activity has kept them relatively secure.

Most of the previous research had been conducted in the world's temperate regions, where there were smaller carbon stocks. Studies that focused only on these regions would have missed the vast proportion of potential carbon losses, said lead author Thomas Crowther, who conducted his research while a postdoctoral fellow at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES) and at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. http://phys.org/news/2016-11-losses-soil-carbon-global-equal.html

Blame for Extinction Spreads to Methane Gas

Two hundred million years ago, at the end of the Triassic period, a mass extinction, often attributed to major volcanic activity, wiped out half of all marine life on Earth. But new research published in the

18 journal Science suggests that the extinction was more likely to have been caused by the release of at least 12,000 gigatons of methane from the seafloor into the atmosphere.

Volcanic activity occurred over a period of 600,000 years at the end of the Triassic, while the extinction took place over a period of just 10,000 to 20,000 years, said Micha Ruhl, an earth scientist at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark and the study’s lead author.

The study could be foreshadowing the effect of climate change on Earth, Dr. Ruhl said. An increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from fossil-fuel use could warm up the planet enough to release methane from the ocean floors, he said.

“Methane is a much stronger greenhouse gas than CO2, so potentially that could result in a strong increase in temperature and climate change,” he said. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/26/science/26obearth.html?smid=fb-share

Sea ice hits record lows

Average Arctic sea ice extent for November set a record low, reflecting unusually high air temperatures, winds from the south, and a warm ocean. Since October, Arctic ice extent has been more than two standard deviations lower than the long-term average. Antarctic sea ice extent quickly declined in November, also setting a record low for the month and tracking more than two standard deviations below average during the entire month. For the globe as a whole, sea ice cover was exceptionally low.

In November 2016, Arctic sea ice extent averaged 9.08 million square kilometers (3.51 million square miles), the lowest November in the satellite record. This is 800,000 square kilometers (309,000 square miles) below November 2006, the previous lowest November, and 1.95 million square kilometers (753,000 square miles) below the 1981 to 2010 long-term average for November. For the month, ice extent was 3.2 standard deviations below the long-term average, a larger departure than observed in September 2012 when the Arctic summer minimum extent hit a record low. https://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/2016/12/arctic-and-antarctic-at-record-low-levels/ https://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/

Methane surge needs 'urgent attention'

Scientists say they are concerned at the rate at which methane in the atmosphere is now rising.

After a period of relative stagnation in the 2000s, the concentration of the gas has surged.

Methane (CH4) is a smaller component than carbon dioxide (CO2) but drives a more potent greenhouse effect.

Researchers warn that efforts to tackle climate change will be undermined unless CH4 is also brought under tighter control.

19 "CO2 is still the dominant target for mitigation, for good reason. But we run the risk if we lose sight of methane of offsetting the gains we might make in bringing down levels of carbon dioxide," said Robert Jackson from Stanford University, US. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38285300

Studies open deep history of Greenland's ice sheet—and raise new questions about its stability

The ice sheet covering Greenland is four times bigger than California—and holds enough water to raise global sea-level more than twenty feet if most of it were to melt. Today, sea levels are rising and the melting of Greenland is a major contributor. Understanding how fast this melting might proceed is a pressing question for policymakers and coastal communities.

To make predictions about the future of the ice sheet, scientists have tried to understand its past, hoping to glean what the ice was doing millions of years ago when the Earth was three or more degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is now. But our understanding of the ice sheet's complex behavior before about 125,000 years ago has been fragmentary at best.

Now, two first-of-their-kind studies provide new insight into the deep history of the Greenland Ice Sheet, looking back millions of years farther than previous techniques allowed. However, the two studies present some strongly contrasting evidence about how Greenland's ice sheet may have responded to past climate change—bringing new urgency to the need to understand if and how the giant ice sheet might dramatically accelerate its melt-off in the near future.

The two new studies were published in the journal Nature on December 8, including one led by University of Vermont geologist Paul Bierman. http://phys.org/news/2016-12-deep-history-greenland-ice-sheetand.html

The studies

Greenland was nearly ice-free for extended periods during the Pleistocene

Joerg M. Schaefer, Robert C. Finkel, Greg Balco, Richard B. Alley, Marc W. Caffee, Jason P. Briner, Nicolas E. Young, Anthony J. Gow & Roseanne Schwartz http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v540/n7632/full/nature20146.html

A persistent and dynamic East Greenland Ice Sheet over the past 7.5 million years

Paul R. Bierman, Jeremy D. Shakun, Lee B. Corbett, Susan R. Zimmerman & Dylan H. Rood http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v540/n7632/full/nature20147.html

Canadian Prairies shrinking faster than Amazon Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef

Conservationists says it's time to act to save the Canadian Prairies, which are disappearing off the face of the Earth faster than the Amazon rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.

20 Nature Conservancy Canada says more than 70 per cent of Canada's prairie grasslands have been converted for other uses such as agriculture and industry, compared to just 20 per cent of the Amazon.

Some of the world’s most significant remaining grasslands are in Canada, but could soon disappear unless more is done to save them, according to the environmental charity http://www.ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/canadian-prairies-shrinking-faster-than-amazon-rainforest-great-barrier- reef-1.3204565?autoPlay=true

Stunning Photos Show Huge Crack in Antarctic Ice Shelf

NASA has just released new aerial photographs that show, close-up, an immense, 70-mile long rift in the Larsen C ice shelf in Antarctica. The breach is 300 feet wide and one-third of a mile deep. As it grows, an iceberg the size of Delaware will break off.

Operation Icebridge, in its eighth year of conducting airborne survey of polar ice, flew two missions in November around the 88th parallel. The highly sophisticated aircraft is equipped with radars, lasers, digital imaging and infrared sensors.

The Larsen ice shelf, in the East Antarctic, is of interest because two previous sections have broken off and disappeared into the sea. Larsen A collapsed in 1995. In 2002, Larsen B began to break apart. Within six weeks, a 1,235 square mile chunk of ice slipped away, which scientists attributed to warmer air temperatures. Prior to that, the Larsen B ice shelf had been stable for 12,000 years. http://www.ecowatch.com/nasa-antartica-larsen-c-2144755963.html? utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=f2b9998c88- MailChimp+Email+Blast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-f2b9998c88-85899661

Climate change: evidence and causes – The Royal Society

A list of Answers to key questions https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/climate-change-evidence-causes/? utm_source=social_media&utm_medium=hootsuite&utm_campaign=standard

Cheetahs heading towards extinction as population crashes

The sleek, speedy cheetah is rapidly heading towards extinction according to a new study into declining numbers.

The report estimates that there are just 7,100 of the world's fastest mammals now left in the wild.

Cheetahs are in trouble because they range far beyond protected areas and are coming increasingly into conflict with humans.

The authors are calling for an urgent re-categorisation of the species from vulnerable to endangered.

21 According to the study, more than half the world's surviving cheetahs live in one population that ranges across six countries in southern Africa.

Cheetahs in Asia have been essentially wiped out. A group estimated to number fewer than 50 individuals clings on in Iran. http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-38415906

22 Government, Meetings, News, and Letters

Parlee's pollution problem: 'Politicians are getting in the way'

Victor Boudreau's statement that finding cause of pollution is 'a struggle' challenged by medical doctor

Dr. Scott Mawdsley, who wrote a 106-page letter to Premier Brian Gallant on what he considers a public health risk at the beach, believes the province could have figured out the source of fecal contamination by now if it wanted to.

"For the last 10 or 20 years, the government has known about the problem and has done nothing to fix it," said Mawdsley. • Water monitoring at Parlee Beach failed to meet Canadian guidelines • Victor Boudreau dismisses call for Parlee Beach sign improvements

He said he didn't believe Boudreau's comments earlier this week that the problem wasn't easy to find.

Boudreau said Tuesday the issue has been "around for many, many years," but said despite that, his department has not been able to figure out the cause. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/doctor-health-minister-parlee-1.3877204

Apparently Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr supports anything to do with oil/bitumen extraction.

Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr says Liberal government supports Keystone XL The Trudeau government fully backs the contentious Keystone XL pipeline to the United States, Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr said Wednesday. http://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/carr-says-liberal-government-supports-keystone-xl

Liberal minister says those who protest pipelines less than peacefully will face the Canadian military

Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr sounded an ominous note for anyone thinking of protesting less than peacefully the Liberal government’s decision to allow the building of pipelines. They will have to face the Canadian military.

Some opponents to Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain project, which would expand an existing pipeline carrying diluted oil sands bitumen from Alberta to a terminal near Vancouver, have vowed to delay or kill it by any means possible, prompting concern from pipeline companies and contractors about whether their workers will be safe, the Edmonton Journal reports. Carr told industry contractors that peaceful dissent would be allowed. But if Canadians break the law then they will face the Canadian military, among other forces. http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/liberal-minister-says-those-who-protest-pipelines- less-than-peacefully-will-face-the-canadian-military

23 New Brunswick News

Irving Pulp and Paper charged with dumping into St. John River

Fines could total millions if company is found guilty of dumping harmful substance at Saint John mill

Irving Pulp and Paper Limited has been charged with 15 counts of illegal dumping into the St. John River.

The alleged federal Fisheries Act violations date from June 2014 through August 2016 and are said to have taken place at the company's mill at Reversing Falls in west Saint John.

In each case it is claimed the company released a "deleterious" substance into the river.

The minimum fine for a large corporation under the most recent version of the Fisheries Act is $200,000 for each violation, in cases where there has been a previous conviction. Irving has earlier convictions. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/irving-pulp-and-paper-charged-1.3876409

Wolastoq Grand Council will have another day in court to protect Mount Carleton Provincial Park

The Wolastoq Grand Council started their first day of a judicial review in the Court of Queen's Bench of New Brunswick. This is the second highest court in New Brunswick next to the New Brunswick Court of Appeal. This case is being heard in the Woodstock Court House in Woodstock, New Brunswick and the judge presiding over the judicial review is the Honourable Richard G. Petrie.

The first day of court was taken up by procedure. Judge Petrie asked the lawyers to go through their affidavits submitted to the court and come to a mutual agreement on which portions will be used for the judicial review. A judicial review is based on affidavits submitted by both parties. This is in contrast to a court trial where evidence is entered by expert witnesses and they can be cross-examined by the other party.

Supporters of the Wolastoq Grand Council, including several members of the Council of Canadians - Fredericton chapter, were present in the court room.

• This is the only wilderness park in New Brunswick (1)

• This is the only provincial park in New Brunswick with a pre-existing park management plan.

• All New Brunswick provincial parks prohibit the use of ATVs and snowmobiles. (2) (The only exception are snowmobile trails in New Brunswick Sugarloaf Provincial Park which is designated as the province's first downhill ski park.)

• The Parks Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation are very clear that such a development proposal in a Provincial Park must trigger environmental review and public consultation. http://canadians.org/blog/wolastoq-grand-council-will-have-another-day-court-protect-mount-carleton- provincial-park

24 25 Maritime News

Fracking company leaves province with the cleanup

26 Canadian News

Canada’s $7 Billion Dam Tests the Limits of State Power

BEAR FLAT, British Columbia — Rugged, remote and prized for its rare microclimate, the Peace River Valley in northeastern British Columbia is an agricultural oasis in northern Canada. Alfalfa, watermelon and barley fields sprawl across a landscape flecked by caribou tracks and seasonal trappers’ huts, which reflect the role indigenous peoples have played in this fertile land for more than 10,000 years.

But little of this abundance will be around much longer.

Within a decade, water will flood a 51-mile stretch of the river, the result of a $7 billion (8.8 billion Canadian dollars) hydroelectric dam and power station, known as Site C. It will be one of the largest public infrastructure projects in Canadian history.

The project has prompted mounting opposition and legal challenges from industry experts, former government officials, local landowners, aboriginal communities and others who say Site C poses a risk to the environment and violates constitutionally protected indigenous rights. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/10/world/canada/canadas-7-billion-dam-tests-the-limits-of-state- power.html?smid=tw-nytimesworld&smtyp=cur&_r=0

Is the Site C dam’s electricity destined for LNG Industry?

The joint review panel assessing the Site C dam concluded that, although there will be an increasing need for power in the future and Site C is likely to be the most cost-effective option, BC Hydro failed to prove that the new energy would be needed within the timeframe set out in the proposal.

“The panel concludes that the proponent has not fully demonstrated the need for the projects on the timetable set forth,” says the report submitted this month to the federal and provincial governments.

The panel makes it clear that federal and provincial government decision-makers need to be sure the power is needed before giving the go-ahead.

Even the LNG argument – used by Premier Christy Clark in last year’s election campaign as a major reason for building Site C – is losing traction as most companies indicate that, for compression and liquefaction of the gas (which takes vast amounts of electricity), they will generate their own power by burning natural gas already flowing through their pipes.

In order to burn natural gas, the LNG industry has been handed a blanket exemption from the Clean Energy Act, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.ammsa.com/publications/windspeaker/site-c-dam%E2%80%99s-electricity-destined-lng- industry

27 Other News

Cruising for a bruising: Carnival owned cruise line fined $40mn for polluting ocean

The largest criminal penalty ever for deliberate vessel pollution may leave Princess Cruise Lines downgrading to duchess, after the US government hit them with a $40 million fine for dumping contaminated waste into the ocean.

A plea agreement between Princess Cruise Lines and the US Department of Justice (DOJ) marked the historic payment of $40 million after it was discovered that Princess Cruises had been dumping oil contaminated waste via a so-called “magic pipe” since 2005, just a year after the vessel started operations.

Owned by the infamous Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises first came to the DOJ’s attention when an engineer-turned-whistleblower accused Princess of dumping oily waste off the coast of England and trying to cover it up. When it was discovered that the whistleblower was speaking to authorities, “the chief engineer and senior first engineer ordered a cover-up, including removal of the magic pipe and directing subordinates to lie,” according to the DOJ press release. https://www.rt.com/usa/368948-princess-cruise-lines-fine/

She says Canadians are ripping up her Colorado community

Colorado resident Amanda Harper thinks Canadians would be appalled if they knew that some of their retirement savings are funding fracking operations in the small, rural community she once called home.

“We put all the money we had into this beautiful little farm,” Harper told National Observer. “My passion was to farm there, to be there for all of our lives.”

Harper found out from a neighbour in 2014 that an oil and gas company, Encana Oil and Gas, had plans to construct 12 hydraulic fracturing or fracking wells 365 metres (1,200 feet) from her home. The following year she discovered the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) was buying the wells. Harper said she could hardly believe it. Her family loves Canada. http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/12/01/news/she-says-canadians-are-ripping-her-colorado- community

The Just 100: America's Best Corporate Citizens In 2016

In his influential 1962 book, Capitalism and Freedom, economist Milton Friedman argued that there is "one and only one social responsibility of business--to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase profits." Any obligation to social good was up to private shareholders. Executives with a conscience who cared about job creation, employee treatment or the environment, Friedman wrote, were nothing more than "unwitting puppets" of a social responsibility doctrine that threatened free markets.

A half-century later, social impact is woven into the mission statements of nearly every major company on the planet. But which companies actually practice what they preach? FORBES has partnered with

28 Just Capital, a nonprofit created by billionaire investor Paul Tudor Jones II, to determine which ones are the best corporate citizens--the Just 100.

"In a world where shareholders have become too dominant, we're giving other constituencies a voice," says Tudor Jones, whose research team surveyed 50,000 Americans on corporate behavior. http://www.forbes.com/sites/steveschaefer/2016/11/30/the-just-100-americas-best-corporate-citizens- in-2016/#401bd8363f04

700+ Acres of Ohio's Only National Forest Sold for Fracking

Despite heavy opposition from public health and environmental groups, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has leased 759 acres of Ohio's only national forest for fracking.

According to the Associated Press, oil and gas companies from Texas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado and Oklahoma forked over $1.7 million for the right to explore parts of Wayne National Forest for drilling operations. Lessees still need to obtain a permit before any drilling can start.

The online auction took place on Dec. 13 with the minimum acceptable bid for as little as $2 per acre. The Columbus Dispatch reported that offers made by the 22 registered bidders ranged from the $2 minimum to a high of $5,806.12 per acre. http://www.ecowatch.com/fracking-ohio-wayne-forest-2148918683.html

29 Water

EPA Rules in Penobscot Tribe’s Favor in Water Quality Dispute

The Penobscot Nation is cheering a new final ruling on state water quality standards from the federal government as a major step forward in protecting the tribe’s fishing rights on the the river that bears its name.

Though locked in a federal lawsuit over water quality in Penobscot River, the state of Maine and the tribe do agree on one thing: that under the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act of 1980, the Penobscots have sustenance fishing rights. But the state has argued that it cannot guarantee the quality of the fish in those ancestral waters.

Ken Moraff, director of water quality at the Environmental Protection Agency, questions the state’s logic. And he says the new ruling addresses the matter.

“The EPA ruling makes it clear that where there are sustenance fishing rights, then the standards for those waters have to protect the health of the people who exercise those fishing rights,” he says. “It doesn’t make sense to have a sustenance fishing right, if the fish aren’t healthy enough to eat.” http://mainepublic.org/post/epa-rules-penobscot-tribe-s-favor-water-quality-dispute#stream/0

30 Fracking and Earthquakes

31 Oil and Pipelines

John Ivison: Front line in pipeline wars moves east

Justin Trudeau’s momentous decision to approve Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline has aroused concerns that the government will now curb its enthusiasm for the Energy East project to the Atlantic coast.

Frank McKenna, the deputy chairman of TD Bank and former premier of New Brunswick, said the decision to approve Trans Mountain was “very courageous,” in the face of opposition from environmentalists and First Nations.

But he said he has been concerned for some time that what may be beneficial for the West Coast might prove detrimental to the East.

“Atlantic Canada is part of Canada, too, and right now it is totally left out of the Canadian energy mix. We want in. (Energy East) would be transformative for our region and we’ll be pushing very strongly to see the pipeline finished,” he said. http://news.nationalpost.com/full-comment/john-ivison-front-line-in-pipeline-wars-moves-east

Alberta premier won't remove Tzeporah Berman from oilsands advisory group

Environmental activist tweeted opposition to Trans Mountain pipeline after Tuesday's announcement

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley says she will not ask Tzeporah Berman to step down from the government's Oil Sands Advisory Group over her opposition to the Kinder Morgan pipeline.

"The answer to that is no," Notley told reporters Wednesday on a conference call from Ottawa.

"I think we need diverse voices there, and she is participating in a process which, quite frankly, is separate from pipeline approval, in that they don't make decisions around pipeline approval."

The federal cabinet's decision to approve Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion was hailed by Notley on Tuesday as a great move for Alberta. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/premier-won-t-remove-tzeporah-berman-oilsands-advisory- group-1.3874637

Our ‘National Disgrace’: The Crime at Standing Rock

The Native Americans of this country are fighting as “Water Protectors” against something we should all be fighting against: polluted water (get the background on Standing Rock). This fight goes beyond Standing Rock to places like Flint, Michigan and possibly to your own home town. In this month set aside to honor Native Americans, we have witnessed these proud People arrested and held in chain- link cages like you would use for animals. As they have gathered peacefully and exercised their constitutional rights, they have been shot with projectiles, percussion grenades, and sonic weapons. They have been tear-gassed, pepper-sprayed, beaten, and assaulted with water cannons in subzero temperatures—by a fully militarized multi-state police force.

32 This treatment of Native Americans is a national disgrace. What is their crime you ask? The same crime it’s always been. They were here first.

A quick review of history will tell you that as the European immigrants and their “manifest destiny” moved across this vast country, they encountered Native Americans. Driven by their greed, these new- comers demanded the original inhabitants step aside, and so conflict ensued. As the immigrants’ demands for more—always more!—land, gold, oil, etc., grew, so did this conflict, and it continues to today at the expense of honor, environment, health, and human rights.

This is happening right here in the good old U.S. of A. Are we—you, me—proud of this? http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2016/11/30/our-national-disgrace-the-crime-at-standing-rock/

Patagonian Assembly Against Extraction Industries: Reportback from Chile

On November 24, 25, and 26 of 2016 in Aysén of Patagonia (Chile), assemblies and organizations working for the Mapuche, Argentinian, and Chilean land defense struggles met to take back their Common Natural Resources–understanding that organization and social mobilization are methods to confront the model of extraction and land plunder which is destroying land at an insane rate, while at the same time putting the lives of these communities at risk, taking all the profit, and socializing the costs.

With the objective of strengthening their power from the lands that are threatened by the criminal corporations of the Mining, Hydroelectric, Salmon, Forest, Oil, Agro-exporting, and other depredatory industries. Here is their communique. http://earthfirstjournal.org/newswire/2016/12/01/patagonian-assembly-against-extraction-industries- reportback-from-chile/#more-53286

Energy East opponents want inquiry of pipeline regulator after invitation from Irving Oil employee

Just 12 days after hearings into a major cross-Canada pipeline project were suspended because of a scandal over private meetings, an Irving Oil employee emailed the national energy regulator asking for a chat of his own.

The invitation to a member inside Canada's National Energy Board (NEB) has re-ignited charges that the regulator can't be trusted to protect the public interest because of its friendly relations with industry.

New-Brunswick-based Irving Oil is a major player in the proposed Energy East pipeline project and its employee sent his email invitation directly to Steven Kelly. Kelly was appointed to the NEB by the former Conservative government right before the last federal election campaign began in 2015.

“Steve, hope all is well with you,” wrote the Irving Oil employee in the email on Sept. 21, which was released to National Observer through access to information legislation. “Realized it has been a while since we’ve touched base and was wondering if you would be available to get together for a coffee in the near future. Hope to hear from you soon.” http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/11/23/news/energy-east-opponents-want-inquiry-pipeline- regulator-after-invitation-irving-oil

33 Apparently Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr supports anything to do with oil/bitumen extraction.

Liberal minister says those who protest pipelines less than peacefully will face the Canadian military

Liberal campaign co-chair steps down after advising TransCanada on lobbying next government

Justin Trudeau's national campaign co-chair is stepping down after he sent a detailed email to people behind the Energy East pipeline with advice on how and when to lobby a new government — including a Liberal minority.

Earlier in the day the Liberals stood by Dan Gagnier, saying he did not break any ethical standards. But in a statement later Wednesday, Gagnier said he didn't want to be a distraction to the campaign.

"I deeply regret that the campaign has been affected by these negative, personal attacks," the statement reads.

"I have always conducted my business openly and in full accordance with the rules. In the best interests of the party, I have taken this decision. I continue to support Justin Trudeau and hope for a Liberal government on Oct. 19." http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-election-2015-liberal-co-chair-advised-transcanada-on- lobbying-1.3271175

‘Wanna burn the US constitution? Shoot at us first’: Veterans prepare to aid DAPL protesters Video

US military veterans continue to arrive at Standing Rock, with up to 3,500 expected in total. They are due to meet with tribal elders to discuss how they can best help the ongoing protest, marked by heavy police force and bitterly cold weather conditions.

34 Members of “Veterans Stand for Standing Rock,” who have been told to bring supplies such as gas masks, earplugs and body armor (but no drugs, alcohol or weapons), plan to form a human shield around protesters to protect them against rubber bullets and the police.

“We feel that we have a voice that is unique as many of us have served in overseas deployments,” Brian Trautman of the Veterans for Peace group told RT.

"And in terms of the respect, the honor and the pedestal on which the American people hold veterans, I think we can certainly provide that assistance to the Native American peoples, to bring in the people of the United States into awareness of what’s going on at Standing Rock.” https://www.rt.com/usa/369119-veterans-constitution-dapl-protest/ https://youtu.be/AiTmEW6wqtQ

Randall Beach: From East Rock to Standing Rock, ‘Lolly be healing’ the trauma

It’s getting colder day by day on the North Dakota plains, with the wind whipping in and police looming nearby amid escalating threats of coming in to forcibly drive out the water protectors at the camps near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

“I love it here,” said Lolly Berger, who left her parents’ home in New Haven four months ago to join the movement.

“It’s intense but exhilarating,” she added. “It’s what I feel I’ve been waiting for forever.”

Berger used to be the little girl in the house directly across the street from me in my East Rock neighborhood. Now she is 29, a licensed master social worker who is helping thousands of people camped on the site deal with the trauma of being hosed by police water cannons in 20-degree weather as well as being pepper-sprayed, tear-gassed and hit with concussion grenades. http://www.nhregister.com/opinion/20161203/randall-beach-from-east-rock-to-standing-rock-lolly-be- healing-the-trauma

Justice Department Must Investigate Policing of Standing Rock Demonstrations

Based on information gathered by four Amnesty International USA human rights observer delegations and reports from the area, AIUSA has formally requested an investigation by the Department of Justice into the policing of the Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations.

The letter, signed by AIUSA executive director Margaret Huang, reads in part:

“The U.S. government is obligated under international law to respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of Indigenous people, including their rights to freedom of expression and assembly….Public assemblies should not be considered as the “enemy.”

“We believe that an investigation by your office of the policing of the Dakota Access Pipeline demonstrations in North Dakota is warranted, and that the Civil Rights Division should deploy observers to the area to ensure that the rights of people opposed to the pipeline are respected, protected and

35 fulfilled. Should your investigators uncover any civil rights violations by law enforcement, individual officers should be charged and prosecuted as warranted.”

Today’s request was made following several instances in which AIUSA observers expressed concern that disproportionate force was used by police. http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/press-releases/justice-department-must-investigate-policing-of- standing-rock-demonstrations

David Suzuki expresses his thoughts on oil spill clean up efforts in Gogama, Ont

Environmentalist David Suzuki visited the site of last year's CN train derailment in Gogama, Ont., on Friday, putting pressure on the rail company to ensure a river in the area is cleared of oil — no matter what the cost. To read more: http://cbc.ca/1.3858654 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6cLiPKXsPg

Cbc In Standing Rock North Dakota Pipeline Protest: Bismarck-Mandan Divided Over Out-Of-Towners

Police chief says the name Standing Rock has been 'hijacked by eco-terrorists'

It's a delivery Karen Van Fossan has made at least a hundred times: blankets, long johns, backpacks and rain gear, all destined to camps near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

And Van Fossan, who is a minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship & Church of Bismarck- Mandan, says being part of this movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline in southern North Dakota has been nothing short of "life-changing."

"To be in a place that is so deeply rooted in faith and prayer is deeply nourishing and challenges me as a faith leader to live a more prayerful and faithful life," she said of the camps.

But in her home community of Bismarck-Mandan, a divide is becoming apparent, as others say their patience is wearing thin, especially with the large number of out-of-towners who have flocked here to oppose the multi-billion dollar pipeline.

"I believe personally that the name of Standing Rock has really been hijacked at this point of time by lots of activists, eco-terrorists, anti-fossil fuel groups." said Bismarck Police Chief Dan Donlin.

The Dakota Access Pipeline is nearly complete, except for a section that travels under a reservoir of the Missouri River. For months, thousands of people have come here in an attempt to stop the pipeline's completion.

Opponents see it as a threat to local drinking water and sacred sites. Proponents say it is a safer way to move crude oil. Someday that pipeline will leak,' says Standing Rock rancher North Dakota pipeline protest garners support from U.S. veterans http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/standing-rock-north-dakota-sunday-1.3880726

36 Army Halts Construction Of Dakota Access Pipeline

OCETI SAKOWIN CAMPGROUND, N.D. ― Federal authorities have halted construction of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline amid growing protests that were expected to draw some 2,000 U.S. military veterans.

The Department of the Army has denied the final easement required for the $3.8 billion project to cross under Lake Oahe in North Dakota, it announced Sunday. Instead, it will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement to examine the impacts and explore alternative routes, it said.

“Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it’s clear that there’s more work to do,” Jo-Ellen Darcy, the Army’s assistant secretary for civil works, said in a statement. “The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternative routes for the pipeline crossing.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/obama-dakota-access-pipeline- halt_us_5844882be4b0c68e04817323?section=politics

The victory at Standing Rock could mark a turning point

The defeat of an energy company by indigenous activists shows what nonviolent unity can accomplish. There are lessons here as we enter a challenging new age

The news that the US federal government has refused to issue the permit needed to run a pipeline under the Missouri river means many things – including that indigenous activists have won a smashing victory, one that shows what nonviolent unity can accomplish.

From the start, this has been an against-the-odds battle. Energy Transfer Partners, the company building the pipeline, is as wired as they come: its line of credit links it to virtually every bank you’ve ever heard of. And operating under a “fast-track” permit process, it had managed to win most of its approvals and lay most of its pipe before opponents managed to mount an effective resistance.

Trump, of course, can try and figure out a way to approve the pipeline right away, though the Obama administration has done its best to make that difficult. (That’s why, instead of an outright denial, they simply refused to grant the permit, thus allowing for the start of the environmental impact statement process). But if Trump decides to do that, he’s up against people who have captured the imagination of the country. Simply spitting on them to aid his friends in the oil industry would clarify a lot about him from the start, which is one reason he may hesitate. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/04/standing-rock-victory-turning-point? CMP=soc_568

Revenge of the comment section: Everyone's upset about pipelines

This might get worse before it gets better

This week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the approval of two pipelines and a rejection of the third, the Northern Gateway. The news has commenters debating the impact the Line 3 and Trans

37 Mountain pipelines — and the absence of Northern Gateway — will have on the economy and the environment. Few seem very happy.

Nothing but a pipe dream

Trudeau needed to do something right for a change. But this pipeline is nothing but a pipe dream. It won't happen. As soon as they start working on it, the anti-oil-activists will be out there protesting, which they are probably already doing. Then everything will come to a roaring halt. Look what happened in Montreal for Energy East not too long ago. The crybabies were out there crying a river. That was the end of it. This will be ugly.

- Brenda Bennett VanRootselaar http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/mad-about-pipelines-1.3877046

Revenge of the comment section: Everyone's upset about pipelines

This might get worse before it gets better

This week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the approval of two pipelines and a rejection of the third, the Northern Gateway. The news has commenters debating the impact the Line 3 and Trans Mountain pipelines — and the absence of Northern Gateway — will have on the economy and the environment. Few seem very happy.

The following is a comment by Brenda Bennett VanRootselaar at the end of the article titled "Trudeau cabinet approves Trans Mountain, Line 3 pipelines, rejects Northern Gateway" at http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-cabinet-trudeau-pipeline-decisions-1.3872828#vf- 8202500005432

See the link beside Brenda Bennett VanRootselaar

Nothing but a pipe dream Trudeau needed to do something right for a change. But this pipeline is nothing but a pipe dream. It won't happen. As soon as they start working on it, the anti-oil-activists will be out there protesting, which they are probably already doing. Then everything will come to a roaring halt. Look what happened in Montreal for Energy East not too long ago. The crybabies were out there crying a river. That was the end of it. This will be ugly. - Brenda Bennett VanRootselaar http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-cabinet-trudeau-pipeline- decisions-1.3872828#vf-8202500005432 http://www.cbc.ca/news/opinion/mad-about-pipelines-1.3877046

Energy East is still needed despite approval of western pipelines, Brian Gallant argues

Premier Brian Gallant says Trudeau government's approval of 2 western pipelines doesn't kill Energy East

New Brunswick's premier says there's still a strong need for the proposed Energy East pipeline despite the federal government's approval of two pipeline expansions in western Canada.

38 "One way to potentially interpret this is that the Trudeau government has shown that they're willing to approve projects that will get our resources to market," Brian Gallant said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau last week announced that work can proceed on the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain and Enbridge Line 3 pipelines, but that has raised speculation the federal government and the oil industry might see less need for TransCanada's pipeline heading east. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/energy-east-brian-gallant-1.3881384

'I'm here until they're done': Standing Rock protesters savour a victory, but not packing up just yet

'I don't think a lot of us think that it's done': Protesters not packing up just yet

All is dark at the Oceti Sakowin camp in southern North Dakota, but there is a cacophony of hammering and a couple of lanterns lighting a small work site.

Joel Maurer, a tiny house carpenter from California, gets set to hoist a piece of plywood, explaining this will soon be a new cabin and meeting room for a prominent chief at the camp.

With a decision Sunday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deny permission for the contentious Dakota Access Pipeline to pass under a reservoir of the Missouri River, one might expect people to pack up and head home, mission accomplished.

But as this construction site demonstrates, some say they're doing just the opposite.

"Any little victory is wonderful," said Maurer, "But they've got money. They've got lawyers."

Late Sunday, the company called the army decision a "purely political action," blaming the Obama administration and saying it has no plans to re-route.

"I don't think a lot of us think that it's done, you know?" said Maurer. "For all I know, it's just another ploy to get us out of here." http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/standing-rock-decision-reaction-1.3881325

Trudeau pipeline approval could harm relations for 'generations', says Chief Thomas

Maureen Thomas, chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, is still hopeful that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government will respect the rights of her people.

She travelled to Ottawa on Monday for a last-minute appeal, fearing that part of her nation's traditional territory, the Burrard Inlet off the coast of Vancouver, is on the verge of being forced by the Trudeau government to accommodate droves of oil tankers. She said this would put the area at risk for "generations."

Thomas met on Monday with Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr to send a message that her nation isn't giving consent for a Texas multinational energy company, Kinder Morgan, to radically expand an existing oil pipeline.

39 "We're fighting for the survival of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation," Thomas told reporters at a news conference following her meeting with Carr. http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/11/28/news/trudeau-pipeline-approval-could-harm-relations- generations-says-chief-thomas

Sackville, New Brunswick poised to take a stand as a climate leader and say NO to Energy East

A very straight-forward request to Sackville councillors was made tonight by Mount Allison University students.

Sackville is one of the most vulnerable communities in New Brunswick to climate change and the extraction and burning of tar sands bitumen only increases the problem of climate change. Sackville Town Council was asked to adopt a resolution that will say no to Energy East (see text in Notes).

Mount Alison student Claire Neufeld said, "The meeting went well, I am hopeful that the motion will be passed next week." http://canadians.org/blog/sackville-new-brunswick-poised-take-stand-climate-leader-and-say-no- energy-east

40 Veterans at Standing Rock shock tribe members, beg forgiveness for war crimes against tribal nations

Jon Eagle Sr., Tribal Historic Preservation Officer at Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has reported something wholly unexpected happened at the Standing Rock Reservation today. The veterans gathered to join the Dakota Pipeline protest stunned the gathered tribal members when they took a knee and asked for forgiveness:

Musical artist Tina Malia was also on hand for the heartwarming event and notes there were no dry eyes in the room http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/12/5/1607591/-Veterans-at-Standing-Rock-shock-tribe-members- beg-forgiveness-for-war-crimes-against-tribal-nations

"We beg for your forgiveness." Veterans to Native elders in Standing Rock ceremony https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=do441aJdY3g

Four Harsh Truths for Canada’s Lovestruck Pipeline Politicians

A reality check for our bitumen-besotted leaders.

Canadian politicians of nearly every stripe seem united, at the moment, in their adolescent professions of love for new pipelines. But love is blind, and in this case, blind to four tough truths about Canada’s dead-end relationship with bitumen.

Among leaders making their lovestruck pronouncements was Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi recently, who flew into B.C. and declared in all sincerity that pipelines shouldn’t be carrying the “sins of the carbon economy” and that we need more of them.

In Saskatchewan, Premier Brad Wall has compared pipelines to economic miracle workers even as his petro-province flounders thanks to the overproduction of heavy oil in a glutted market.

(Wall’s subservience to petroleum interests, by the way, has taken on Trump-like proportions. The province’s recent Throne Speech even dubbed proposals to limit climate change as “misguided dogma.”) http://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2016/10/21/Canadian-Pipeline-Harsh-Truths/

Trump advisors aim to privatize oil-rich Indian reservations

Native American reservations cover just 2 percent of the United States, but they may contain about a fifth of the nation’s oil and gas, along with vast coal reserves.

Now, a group of advisors to President-elect Donald Trump on Native American issues wants to free those resources from what they call a suffocating federal bureaucracy that holds title to 56 million acres of tribal lands, two chairmen of the coalition told Reuters in exclusive interviews.

41 The group proposes to put those lands into private ownership - a politically explosive idea that could upend more than century of policy designed to preserve Indian tribes on U.S.-owned reservations, which are governed by tribal leaders as sovereign nations.

The tribes have rights to use the land, but they do not own it. They can drill it and reap the profits, but only under regulations that are far more burdensome than those applied to private property.

"We should take tribal land away from public treatment," said Markwayne Mullin, a Republican U.S. Representative from Oklahoma and a Cherokee tribe member who is co-chairing Trump’s Native American Affairs Coalition. "As long as we can do it without unintended consequences, I think we will have broad support around Indian country." http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN13U1B1

Trump sells his stake in Dakota Access Pipeline developer

Donald Trump has sold his entire stake in Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), the company overseeing construction of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline, a Trump spokeswoman told NBC News.

Trump's shares of the company created a possible conflict of interest for the president-elect, as his administration may determine the project's fate amid ongoing protests from Native Americans and climate activists. Trump has supported the 1,172-mile pipeline and broader efforts to produce more fossil fuels in the United States. http://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/politics/trump-sells-his-stake-in-dakota-access-pipeline-developer/ar- AAlb3Tp?ocid=sf

Supreme Court case could change natural resource development in Canada

“We don’t do any smudging like that traditionally in the North,” Natanine told National Observer. “That was really good for me. It was so good.”

42 The Supreme Court is examining challenges by the two groups to the federal government's assertion that the Crown's duty to consult with First Nations may be adequately fulfilled by the federal energy and pipeline regulator, the National Energy Board (NEB).

Success at the Supreme Court could also give First Nations legal ammunition to challenge two pipeline projects in Western Canada— Line 3 and Trans Mountain — approved by Prime Minster Justin Trudeau last week. http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/12/05/news/supreme-court-case-could-change-natural- resource-development-canada

Fighting Energy East is more important than ever

It’s been a hard week for Canada’s environment and our shared climate. On the one hand, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listened to concerned Canadians and cancelled the Northern Gateway pipeline. But he approved Line 3 and Kinder Morgan. And shocking as it may be, the government also said that Energy East and Keystone XL — two massive oilsands pipeline proposals — are still on the table.

Much has been said and will be said about Trudeau’s approvals, but there are four things that we shouldn’t lose sight of:

First, there is no need for new pipelines today. Federal government documents show that there’s ample existing capacity until at least 2025.

Second, oilsands crude already has access to “tidewater,” i.e. to world markets via the existing Trans Mountain pipeline. The primary reason oilsands oil sells at a discount of around $14/barrel is due to its low quality, not lack of tidewater access. Expect this erroneous argument to pop up again in discussions about Energy East.

Third, and most important, the federal government approved of these pipelines based on flawed process conducted by the broken and discredited National Energy Board.

A new process for assessing energy projects was promised. In fact, the prime minister himself promised that the review of Kinder Morgan would be restarted once the process was overhauled. But he broke that promise.

And the federal government has made it clear that it plans to use that same broken process to assess Energy East. This should worry anyone concerned about our shared water, land and climate. http://montrealgazette.com/business/energy/opinion-fighting-energy-east-is-more-important-than-ever

43 Tar Sands - Water Defense

Tar sands, or oil sands, are a mixture of clay, sand, water, and bitumen, a thick, tar-like form of oil. Worldwide, there are about 2 trillion barrels of tar sands oil, but only the Canadian tar sands in Alberta are in large-scale production.

Production of tar sands oil in Alberta has contaminated vast quantities of water, poisoned downstream communities, destroyed irreplaceable ecosystems, generated huge amounts of greenhouse gases, and created a toxic sacrifice zone the size of some small countries.

The Alberta tar sands are the largest industrial project on the planet. They cover an area larger than the state of Florida, are licensed to use twice as much fresh water as the city of Calgary, consume enough natural gas in a day to heat 3 million homes, are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gasses in Canada, and produce over a million barrels of oil per day. http://waterdefense.org/content/tar-sands

Tar Sands Fever!

The vast bulk of Canada's tar sands is found in the province of Alberta, the country's most prolific producer of fossil fuels. The tar sands deposits underlie more than 140,000 square kilometers of relatively pristine boreal forest, an area larger than the state of Florida. It's estimated that the tar sands hold approximately 1.7 trillion barrels of crude bitumen (the technical term for the fossil fuel extracted from the tar sands). But most of this bitumen will never be recovered and only a fraction, 174 billion barrels, is estimated to be recoverable using today's technology and under current and anticipated economic conditions.

Producing oil from the tar sands is scraping the bottom of the oil barrel. Tar sands consist of a mixture of 85 percent sand, clay, and silt; 5 percent water; and 10 percent crude bitumen, the tar-like substance that can be converted to oil. Bitumen doesn't flow like crude oil, and getting it out of the tar sands is a messy job. The current technology, which has evolved relatively little since it was first developed in the early 20th century, is a hot-water-based separation process that requires huge quantities of water and energy (see diagram). Imagine mixing a bucket of roofing tar into a child's sandbox. Then boil some water, pour it into the sandbox, and try to wash the tar out of the sand.

Most tar sands production takes place in vast open-pit mines, some as large as 150 square kilometers and as deep as 90 meters. Before strip-mining can begin, the boreal forest must be clear-cut, rivers and streams diverted, and wetlands drained. The overburden (the soil, rocks, and clay overlying the tar sands deposit) must be stripped away and stockpiled to reach the bitumen. Four tons of material are moved to produce every barrel of bitumen. At current production rates, with just three mines operating, enough material is moved every two days to fill a 60,000-seat stadium. But only a small fraction of the bitumen deposits is close enough to the surface to be strip-mined. Over 80 percent of the established tar sands reserves are deeper and must be extracted in situ (in place) by injecting high-pressure steam into the ground to soften the bitumen so it can be pumped to the surface. http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5287

44 Top 10 Facts About the Alberta Oil Sands

1. The Alberta oil sands have a huge carbon footprint. 2. The Alberta oil sands produce lakes of toxic sludge. 3. The contaminated water produced while extracting Alberta's oil sands is so toxic that in April 2008 a flock of migrating ducks landed in a holding pond full of tar sands contaminated water and died. 4. The Alberta oil sands are holding Canada back on climate change action. Environment Canada projects that climate pollution for all of Canada except the tar sands is set to decline between by 28 million tonnes of CO2 (MtCO2). 5. The toxic tailing lakes are considered one of the largest human-made structures in the world. 6. Producing a barrel of oil from the oil sands produces three times more greenhouse gas emissions than a barrel of conventional oil. 7. The oil sands operations are the fastest growing source of heat-trapping greenhouse gas in Canada. 8. Indigenous peoples rely on healthy ecosystems for food, water and livelihoods, but the oil sands industry has decimated vast amounts of wildlife habitat and polluted the region’s rivers and streams with toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. 9. Emissions from the Alberta oil sands increased 267 percent between 1990 and 2011, according to Environment Canada, although per-barrel emissions have gone down a reported 26 percent. 10. Climate pollution from producing oil sands oil is projected to hit 104 Mt CO2 by 2020 - about double the current annual emissions from countries like Norway, Bolivia and Denmark. https://www.desmogblog.com/top-10-facts-canada-alberta-oil-sands-information

North Dakota crude pipeline shut down after spill

A crude oil transmission pipeline has been shut down in western North Dakota following a leak that spilled oil into a creek. The state’s health department said it has sent personnel to the site.

"A series of booms have been placed across the creek to prevent downstream migration and a siphon dam has been constructed four miles downstream of the release point," Bill Suess, spill investigation program manager for the North Dakota Department of health, said, according to Reuters.

The health agency said the spill was discovered on Monday and an unknown volume of oil leaked from the pipeline operated by Bell Fourche Pipeline Company into Ash Coulee Creek, 16 miles northwest of Belfield in Billings County. The leak is 200 miles away from protests taking place over the building of the Dakota Access Pipeline. https://www.rt.com/usa/369416-north-dakota-crude-pipeline-shutdown/

Susan Sarandon Talks Bank Exit following Dakota Pipeline | Chelsea | Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kk_QC4qQ6Q

45 David Coon questions motion by Liberals, PCs to support Energy East

Green Party Leader David Coon says Energy East would go in 'opposite direction' in effort to reduce emissions

Green Party Leader David Coon is criticising the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives for bringing back a motion on Tuesday to ask the legislature to support TransCanada Corp.'s proposed Energy East pipeline project.

Premier Brian Gallant and Opposition Leader Blaine Higgs made the request in a motion tabled by the Liberals and seconded by the Tories in hopes of drawing more support for the pipeline project.

Gallant said in a statement he thought it would be a good time to show "bi-partisan support" for the pipeline project, but it's clear Energy East does not have all-party support in New Brunswick. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gallant-higgs-coon-legislature-energy-east-1.3883889

CBC The National - Is Canada ready for an oil spill? Video

The Kinder Morgan pipeline will increase off B.C.'s coast. But an accident near Bella Bella suggests that Canada might not be able to handle a major oil spill.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/thenational/is-canada-ready-for-an-oil-spill-1.3884757

46 Pipeline Protesters Arrested in Alpine, TX

ALPINE – Two Big Bend Defense Coalition protesters were arrested by Brewster County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the early hours Tuesday morning on misdemeanor trespass charges for chaining themselves to the gates at the Trans-Pecos Pipeline Pumpco yard in Alpine, barring Pumpco workers from entering the premises.

Big Bend Defense Coalition organizer Lori Glover and 80-year-old retiree and veteran Roger Siglin were taken into custody between 6:30-7am. Brewster County deputies attempted to negotiate with the protestors, both of whom decided to keep their chains on and face arrest. http://earthfirstjournal.org/newswire/2016/12/07/pipeline-protesters-arrested-in-alpine-tx/

Massive Oil Spill ‘The Size of Seven Football Fields” Found In North Dakota

A farmer in North Dakota discovered one of the largest crude oil spills ever recorded in the state just “bubbling up out of the ground” while harvesting wheat a few months ago.

Farmer Steve Jensen stated that he smelled the crude oil a few days before his combines were covered in it. The oil was “spewing and bubbling six inches high,” he said in an interview with CBS News. The Tesoro Corp’s underground pipeline spilled 20,600 barrels of oil under the farmland. It was four times the size of a pipeline that burst in March of 2013 that forced the evacuation of more than 20 homes in Arkansas.

Luckily for the general population of North Dakota, however, the pipeline is in a remote corner in the northwest The nearest home is half a mile away, and there have been no water contamination reports. No animals or people have been injured in the spill. http://www.trueactivist.com/massive-oil-spill-the-size-of-seven-football-fields-found-in-north-dakota/? utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=massive+oil+spill+the+size+of+seven+football+fields+found+in +north+dakota&utm_medium=ET

Proposed natural gas pipeline to East Coast must overcome long odds, skeptics say

The pipeline would run from North Bay, Ont., to Saint John, N.B., and be built parallel to the proposed Energy East Pipeline. From there, the gas would travel in an expanded Maritimes & Northeast pipeline to Goldboro and then to Point Tupper, where it would be liquefied and shipped to Europe from the $5- billion liquefaction plant Bear Head LNG is proposing to build.

“Western basin gas producers originally intended to ship to the British Columbia coast through pipelines, but that opportunity is evaporating,” said Paul MacLean, strategic and regulatory affairs advisor to Bear Head on Thursday. “(By building a pipeline to the East Coast) western producers would benefit from gaining access to markets across Canada and around the world.”

The 42-inch-diameter pipeline proposed by Bear Head would actually be built by TransCanada Corp., which operates an extensive pipeline system in Western Canada that collects gas from producers and carries it into Ontario and the United States.

47 But TransCanada isn’t talking publicly about the proposal.

“Our company policy is not to speak to market rumours or specialization,” TransCanada spokesman Mark Cooper said Thursday. https://www.localxpress.ca/local-business/bear-head-longshot-482084

'Clearly not over': Dakota Access Pipeline saga goes to court in 2017

Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), has no intention of giving up easily. On Friday, US District Judge James Boasberg rejected ETP’s request for an expedited ruling to overturn the Army Corps’ denial of a permit.

The Army Corps of Engineers and the Standing Rock Sioux tribe have until January 6 to file their opposition to ETP’s claim that they have the permission and permits necessary to drill under the Lake Oahe crossing, where the tribe gets most of its drinking water. https://www.rt.com/usa/369841-dapl-army-future-battle/

The U.S. Army Corps has agreed to raise the water level at Lake Oahe

EXCLUSIVE: The U.S. Army Corps has agreed to raise the water level at Lake Oahe (Missouri River flows into Lake Oahe) which would prevent Energy Transfer Partners from drilling underneath Lake Oahe (raising the water makes it so the drilling would not be stable).

This, at the same time as a U.S. District Judge denying #DAPL an expedited ruling on whether to overturn the Army Corps denial of a permit to drill under Lake Oahe, is a victory for Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

Energy Transfer Partners' contract with investors ends on 1/2/17, where investors will be able to pull their money. They say they are losing $20 million per week if the pipeline isn't operational.

The decision came after Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault met with Governor Jack Dalrymple and the Army Corps of Engineers. To raise the water levels, they will have to release a dam upstream, which could result in the flooding of the Oceti Sakowin Camp. http://www.democraticunderground.com/10028346227

Oil that doesn’t float: Tar sands oil shipped through Gulf of Maine poses threat

Many folks around the Bay of Fundy have been concerned about the impacts of the energy East Pipe Line. This is such an important issue, that we are presenting this entire article here. We beg forgiveness from Maine’s ISLAND iNSTITUTE. But this article so clearly shows that this is an international issue that requires everyone to work together. Please go to the following link for more information and to review the great content they provide.

A map showing tanker routes through the Gulf of Maine.

48 By Heather Deese, Susie Arnold, Ph. D. http://bayoffundy.ca/archives/8265? utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork http://www.islandinstitute.org/working-waterfront/oil-doesn%E2%80%99t-float-tar-sands-oil-shipped- through-gulf-maine-poses-threat

Kirchmeier, Morton County sued for excessive force in protests

A National Lawyers Guild group has filed a class action lawsuit against Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, Morton County and other law enforcement agencies for bringing excessive force against Dakota Access Pipeline protesters earlier this month.

The Water Protector Legal Collective filed suit Monday in U.S. District Court in Bismarck seeking an immediate injunction to prevent Kirchmeier and other agencies from using impact munitions, such as rubber bullets, lead-filled beanbags, water and sound cannons, directed energy devices, water hoses, explosive tear gas grenades and other chemical agents against the protesters.

The group wants the injunction while the court decides whether to issue a temporary restraining order against police, arguing the police actions and munitions fall outside legal parameters. http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/kirchmeier-morton-county-sued-for-excessive- force-in-protests/article_6df6ca11-4e5f-5b03-985c-ce3a8d5cf3a8.html

49 Carbon tax revenues should go to oil industry, says CAPP

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers wants money directed to more technology and innovation

Canada's petroleum industry lobby group told the federal government this summer that carbon tax revenues from oil and gas should be pumped back into the industry in order to "not only preserve, but enhance" the sector.

The pitch by the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers came in August as federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and her provincial counterparts were quietly discussing the pan-Canadian climate plan promised by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

"Any pricing mechanism implemented should contribute to a vibrant and competitive oil and gas sector while efficiently and effectively facilitating reductions in GHG emissions," says the 17-page brief, obtained by Greenpeace Canada through a freedom of information request to the Saskatchewan government. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/carbon-tax-capp-oil-gas-1.3883181

Property tax concessions have cost N.B. nearly $380M over 40 years

CBC News investigation examined tax deals that lighten the tax load for certain businesses

Up to $3.5 billion worth of property in New Brunswick enjoys some kind of special tax treatment, a tradition of concessions that has cost the province an estimated $380 million, plus interest, over nearly four decades, a CBC News investigation shows. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-historic-tax-concessions-1.3887534

New Brunswick tax breaks: Who gets what http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/tax-breaks-roundup-1.3889406

Ottawa announces new National Energy Board members to review Energy East pipeline Video

Current board members recused themselves after it was learned they met with consultant for developer

Don Ferguson, a former top bureaucrat in New Brunswick, Carole Malo, a seasoned accountant and consultant from Ontario, and Marc Paquin, a lawyer and professor from Quebec focussed on environmental law, are the three bilingual panellists Carr picked to study the 4,500-kilometre pipeline, which will carry oil from Alberta and Saskatchewan to refineries in Eastern Canada.

"The National Energy Board is responsible for reviewing important major energy projects. I am confident these three individuals and the skills they bring will ensure the NEB is properly equipped to carry out this important role," said Carr, who represents Winnipeg South Centre.

Video Carr says new panel will determine Energy East timeline 2:12 http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/politics/new-neb-board-members-energy-east-1.3892748

50 Federal natural resources hire raises worry

Minister’s new chief of staff a former top official with oil and gas industry

The federal natural resources minister’s chief of staff has extensive experience lobbying for the oil and gas industry, raising concerns from environmental groups that the new Liberal government is looking backward instead of ahead when it comes to Canada’s energy goals.

Former Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers vice-president Janet Annesley accepted the high-ranking position in Jim Carr’s office this week.

From 2009 to January this year, Annesley served as vice-president of communications with the association, as well as its vice-president for Eastern/Atlantic Canada. Before that, she worked for Shell in several different roles over the course of a decade, including as manager of oilsands communications.

Diane Beckett, executive director of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, called the decision to hire someone with such a strong oil and gas background a missed opportunity for the Liberal government to set Canada on track with the rest of the world. http://thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1325697-federal-natural-resources-hire-raises-worry

176,000-gallon North Dakota pipeline leak wasn’t detected by electronic equipment

The spill caused hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil to pour into a creek

BISMARCK, N.D. — Electronic monitoring equipment failed to detect a pipeline rupture that spewed more than 176,000 gallons of crude oil into a North Dakota creek, the pipeline’s operator said Monday.

It’s not yet clear why the monitoring equipment didn’t detect the leak, Wendy Owen, a spokeswoman for Casper, Wyoming-based True Cos., which operates the Belle Fourche Pipeline, said.

A landowner discovered the spill near Belfield on Dec. 5, according to Bill Suess, an environmental scientist with the North Dakota Health Department.

Suess said the spill migrated about almost 6 miles from the spill site along Ash Coulee Creek, and it fouled an unknown amount of private and U.S. Forest Service land along the waterway. The creek feeds into the Little Missouri River, but Seuss said it appears no oil got that far and that no drinking water sources were threatened. The creek was free-flowing when the spill occurred but has since frozen over. http://www.salon.com/2016/12/12/company-equipment-didnt-detect-north-dakota-oil-leak/

Trump, Putin, and ExxonMobil team up to destroy the planet

Pick of Exxon CEO for Secretary of State clarifies why Putin wanted Trump elected: a $500 billion oil deal killed by sanctions

51 The aligning interests between Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia’s choice for U.S. president (Donald Trump), and Big Oil represents the gravest threat to humanity (and democracy) since the rise of the Axis powers in the 1930s.

That’s because while Trump may not be able to destroy global climate action and the landmark 2105 Paris climate deal all by himself — as he pledged to do during the campaign — he probably could do that with help from Russia and the trillion-dollar oil industry.

https://think progress.org/trump-putin-and-exxonmobil-team-up-to-destroy-the-planet- fb88650acfa1#.bo5af3gfo

52 Why Alberta oil will be California-bound

But Asia rises as potential market for Trans Mountain crude: analysts

The $6.8 billion project is needed, she has said, to open Alberta oil exports to new markets, particularly Asia. But critics say the 13 shippers and oil producers that signed take-or-pay contracts (in which a company either takes product from the supplier or pays a penalty) for the pipeline expansion don’t have any customers in Asia yet, and, even if they did, they would get no better price there for their oil.

The oil produced in the oilsands has lately sold at a US$15 per barrel discount compared with West Texas Intermediate, which last week was selling for about US$51 per barrel. https://www.biv.com/article/2016/12/why-alberta-oil-will-be-california-bound/

Stop The Suwannee River Crossing!

Calling all water protectors and anti-pipeline rebels to the Sabal Trail Resistance (STR)

As you read this, drilling under is close to completion under the Santa Fe River and set to begin under the Suwannee River. These two waterways are at the heart of a region which contains the highest concentration of fresh water springs in the world.

There are currently two full-time encampments in North Florida, and the possibility of more to emerge along the route with your support and participation. You are invited to help build opposition on the ground to this fracked gas pipeline.

As the camps at Standing Rock in North Dakota are asking people to stop coming for the time being, this struggle here is beginning to escalate.

Camps are prepared to accommodate an immediate increase in participation, and weather conditions are very mild here. Its still warm enough to swim in the water we are protecting. http://earthfirstjournal.org/newswire/2016/12/13/stop-the-suwannee-river-crossing/

Diesel spill in Grand Manan harbour left unattended for two weeks

Residents say village and harbour authority have done nothing to clean up the mess

Residents of Grand Manan Island are concerned about a diesel spill at the North Head Fishermen's wharf that has been left unattended for two weeks.

Fishermen alerted harbour authorities when the spill first started, and then again last week. But residents say no one has come to investigate the source of the problem.

''Nothing's been done and nothing seems to be getting fixed,'' said resident Amy Dupont.

According to residents, the spill is so bad that even the beach is covered in fuel and the air smells of it. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/grand-manan-fuel-leak-1.3894857

53 The Sinking and Raising of the Irving Whale - 12 news articles

Environmentalists dubbed it a ticking time bomb, and nobody knew when -- or if -- the Irving Whale oil barge would release its dangerous cargo. Toxic discoveries, legal delays and spiralling costs would all ensue before the Irving Whale saw the light of day -- 26 years after sinking off Prince Edward Island in 1970. http://www.cbc.ca/archives/topic/the-sinking-and-raising-of-the-irving-whale

As new NEB members appointed, Energy East hearings must be reset

On December 12th, Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr has announced the appointment of 3 new temporary members to the National Energy Board (NEB) -- See below for background information on each new member.

These appointments come three months after the Energy East hearing were stalled following the recusal of the 3 board members assigned to the hearing. Earlier that summer the National Observer revealed that they had met in secret with former premier of Quebec Jean Charest who was working for TransCanada at the time. These revelations compounded historical critiques that the NEB had close ties to the oil industry it was mandated to regulate in the public interest.

The hearings were announced to be suspended until the government appointed new board members. Now that these board members are appointed by the Minister of Natural Resources, the NEB can assign them to the Energy East hearings. We do not yet know when this will happen, but we can assume that it will be in a timely fashion given the 3 month delay in the process so far.

At the end of September, following the suspension of the hearings, Ecojustice sent a letter to the NEB on behalf of Transition Initiative Kenora to have the hearings restart from scratch to avoid apprehension of bias. Once the NEB board members are assigned to work on the Energy East project, one of the first task they will have will be to determine how to restart the hearing. The Council of Canadians supports this request from Transition Initiative Kenora, and in order for a fair process to be followed, the company would have to re-file its application and the hearings would have to restart from the very beginning. http://canadians.org/blog/new-neb-members-appointed-energy-east-hearings-must-be-reset

Energy East Pipeline Project http://mpmo.gc.ca/measures/257

MPMO Tracker (Major Projects Management Office) http://www2.mpmo-bggp.gc.ca/MPTracker/home-accueil.aspx?lang=en

A search for Go to: Energy East Oil Pipeline and Responsible Authority National Energy Board yielded four projects, none of which were Energy East Oil Pipeline

54 Gulf of St. Lawrence vs. Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board?

As members of the St. Lawrence Coalition, we have been working to protect the Gulf of St. Lawrence against oil and gas and in particular against Corridor Resources who has held a nine-year exploration license for the area known as Old Harry. To this end, today we sent a letter to the Canada-Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB) to express our opposition with a new four-year license the C-NLOPB is considering and may be deciding as soon as tomorrow.

Part of our concern is with the lack of consultation thus far of Indigenous communities, per the requirements outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Indigenous Nations surrounding the Gulf recently released this video to express their opposition to drilling and exploration in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. http://canadians.org/blog/gulf-st-lawrence-vs-canada-newfoundland-and-labrador-offshore-petroleum- board

Letter to C-NLOPB http://canadians.org/sites/default/files/Council%20of%20Canadians%20lettter%20to%20CNLOPB %20%2014Dec2016_0.pdf

Wolastoq Grand Council is my pick for one of the most compelling presentations against Energy East in 2016

Grand Chief Ron Tremblay and Clanmother Alma Brooks of the Wolastoq Grand Council gave one of the most compelling and moving presentations against Energy East in 2016. Their 50-minute presentation to the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications (see video 1, video 2, video 3, video 4) took place in Saint John, New Brunswick on October 19, 2016. (The transcript is also available.)

The Wolastoq Grand Council brought a unique perspective to the Senate Committee. Their laws and traditions come from the land. Their language comes from the land. Their Nation's territory is the entire watershed of the Wolastoq (the St. John River). Their territory has never been surrendered to any government. Their territory includes almost all of the 420 kilometres of the proposed route of the Energy East pipeline here in New Brunswick.

And through the Peace and Friendship Alliance, the Wolastoq Grand Council have the support of a large number of Non-Indigenous groups in New Brunswick, including all 4 chapters of the Council of Canadians (Fredericton, Kent County, Moncton, and Saint John).

Here are 5 important talking points that were among the many raised by the Wolastoq Grand Council:

1. The Wolastoqewiyik (Maliseet People) are intimately connected to the land, animals and plants, water and air of their territory.

2. The Energy East pipeline would cut across the entire length of their ancestral territory, a territory based on the watershed boundaries of the St. John River Basin.

3. Their rights include "free, prior, and informed consent", as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). The Wolastoqewiyik (Maliseet People) still own their homeland. Their ancestors never surrendered any piece of the land in

55 Peace and Friendship Treaties, treaties that are protected in Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution.

4. Tar sands bitumen is too dangerous because it requires large amounts of toxic chemicals in order to flow through pipelines. When this diluted bitumen leaks into water, these solvent chemicals evaporate into a toxic cloud, and the bitumen sinks and sticks to the bottom.

5. Climate change is happening now. Climate change requires us to move into alternative energy, something that sustains life, not destroys it. We have to guarantee a future for our children. Without action, Energy East could be the next Standing Rock.

Grand Chief Ron Tremblay emphasized the position of the Wolastoq Grand Council, "There's no guarantee that these pipelines won't leak. And our land and our water have been damaged enough, and it has to be stopped." (VIDEO: #3of4, TIME: 14:46) http://canadians.org/blog/wolastoq-grand-council-my-pick-one-most-compelling-presentations-against- energy-east-2016

Norwegian giant pulls out of Alberta's oilsands

A Norwegian oil giant is selling off its assets in Canada's oilsands, just after the federal government approved new pipelines that were meant to promote growth in the slumping industry.

In a statement, Statoil said it was selling off a demonstration plant, an undeveloped project and some other contracts to the Athabasca Oil Corporation, as part of a plan to end its operations in the oilsands.

The Norwegian company, which also operates offshore projects off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, said the deal would force it to swallow an impairment (or loss) of up to US$550 million, depending on the Canada-US exchange rate. It would also remain a shareholder in the assets as a part of the deal.

The international company, which has operations in 37 countries, with about 21,000 employees worldwide, said the decision was about reducing costs as well as cutting its greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.nationalobserver.com/2016/12/14/news/norwegian-giant-pulls-out-albertas-oilsands

Irving Oil, Trans Canada and Submerged Crown Land

Exclusive docs show water flip by NB government, leading up to Energy East

200.3 hectares of Submerged Crown Land was passed to an Irving subsidiary in 2013, in anticipation of Trans Canada’s Energy East-related needs. [Map courtesy of New Brunswick Department of Natural Resources]

KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) — Through an Access to Information request, the Halifax Media Co-op has acquired documents that further confirm New Brunswick governmental and industrial cooperation on TransCanada’s proposed Energy East pipeline project, in the direct vicinity of the community of Red Head, New Brunswick.

56 The area of Red Head, south east of Saint John, will bear the brunt of the proposed Energy East industrial expansions related to refining, containing and shipping Alberta-based tar sands for export.

The documents we have acquired also confirm that New Brunswick’s First Nations Indian Act chiefs have cooperated in the controversial proposed pipeline project, as far back as 2013. http://bayoffundy.ca/archives/8363 http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/irving-oil-trans-canada-and-submerged-crown-land/34091

Energy East Pipeline to Nova Scotia: Will First Nations Have a Big Say?

Concern: Lack of participation from Nova Scotia in Energy East Support: Senate Committee says bringing the Energy East pipeline to Nova Scotia has its supporters Benefits: Committee says Nova Scotia will benefit Shorter: Quicker route to overseas markets Reduced Impacts: Senate Committee says impact of oil tanker traffic on the Bay of Fundy ecosystem will be reduced Indigenous Partnerships: Senate Committee says First Nations should share in benefits, including equity

CONCLUSION:

57 In short, the Senate Committee recommends "that the National Energy Board, as part of its hearings on the proposed Energy East project, examine the Strait of Canso area as an alternative end point of the pipeline." http://info.sharedvaluesolutions.com/blog/energy-east-pipeline-to-nova-scotia-will-first-nations-will- have-a-big-say

Obama invokes 1953 law to indefinitely block drilling in Arctic and Atlantic oceans

President Barack Obama on Tuesday moved to indefinitely block drilling in vast swaths of U.S. waters.

The president had been expected to take the action by invoking a provision in a 1953 law that governs offshore leases, as CNBC previously reported.

The law allows a president to withdraw any currently unleased lands in the Outer Continental Shelf from future lease sales. There is no provision in the law that allows the executive's successor to repeal the decision, so President-elect Donald Trump would not be able to easily brush aside the action. http://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/20/obama-expected-to-invoke-1953-law-to-block-offshore-drilling.html

Province says it won't release Husky records despite privacy commissioner's recommendation

Saskatchewan’s privacy commissioner is calling on the province to reverse its position and release five years’ worth of Husky Energy Inc. pipeline inspection documents, but the government says it has no intention of making the records public.

In a report published Monday, Ron Kruzeniski said he was “not persuaded” by the government’s arguments that releasing the 26 pages could jeopardize its ongoing investigation into the Calgary- based company’s 225,000-litre pipeline spill this summer.

“While an investigation is going on, whatever the investigator collects … is very relevant to an investigation,” Kruzeniski said in an interview. “But then the issue arises: What about all the pre-existing documents that were filed for a totally different purpose?”

The pipeline inspection reports were filed long before the investigation began on Aug. 15, and for an entirely different purpose, so they should be released, Kruzeniski said.

His report and recommendation come almost exactly five months after the Opposition NDP requested every Husky pipeline inspection report since 2011 under the province’s Freedom of Information legislation.

“We’re simply looking for accountability and transparency from this government, which it’s clearly been refusing to do up until this point,” said Nicole Sarauer, the NDP’s justice critic and MLA for Regina Douglas Park. http://thestarphoenix.com/business/energy/privacy-commissioner-recommends-government-release- husky-pipeline-inspection-records

58 Bear Paw project gets approval

HALIFAX: Bear Paw Pipeline Corporation Inc announced that it received environmental assessment approval from Nova Scotia Environment for its natural gas pipeline.

“The environmental assessment approval is an important regulatory component that furthers our goal to be the leader in helping Nova Scotia realize the LNG opportunity that will benefit the province and community,” says Greg Vesey, President of Bear Paw.

“Bear Paw’s pipeline is integral to the development of Bear Head LNG. We are putting all the elements in place to develop a successful LNG export facility on Cape Breton Island and the pipeline is a strategic and critical element.”

Bear Paw is proposing to construct and operate a 62.5 kilometre natural gas pipeline from Goldboro to the proposed Bear Head LNG liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Point Tupper. http://porthawkesburyreporter.com/breaking-bear-paw-project-gets-approval/

Peru’s Amazon Tribes Will Risk Their Lives to Stop Oil Drilling

Indigenous tribes are willing put their bodies on the line to protect the Amazon from destructive oil drilling.

The Federation of Achuar Indigenous People, or FENAP, warned the Peruvian government that they will physically block any attempt by oil companies to operate on their lands in the Amazon region of that country, local press reported on Friday.

59 FENAP said the chiefs of 45 Achuar communities that live in an oil-rich area known as Block 64 are all opposed to a recently approved plan for oil drilling in the Peruvian Amazon, which according to them will pollute and destroy their ancestral lands.

“We have healthy rainforest free of pollution, that’s why we don’t want oil companies to come in,” said FENAP president Jeremias Petsein, adding that oil pollution “is a reality in other indigenous communities, it makes people sick and destroys our way of life.” http://earthfirstjournal.org/newswire/2016/12/21/perus-amazon-tribes-will-risk-their-lives-to-stop-oil- drilling/

Trudeau Touts Trump's Support for Keystone XL

At a speech given to the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he intends to work with President-elect Donald Trump to approve the northern leg of TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline.

The speech comes as Trump revealed in a recent interview with Fox News that one of the first things he intends to do in office is grant permits for both Keystone XL and the perhaps equally controversial Dakota Access pipeline. Because Keystone XL North crosses the U.S.-Canada border, current processes require it to obtain a presidential permit from the U.S.Department of State, which the Obama administration has denied.

The next State Department, however, could be led by the recently retired CEO of ExxonMobil, Rex Tillerson, who was just nominated to be U.S. Secretary of State and soon will face a Senate hearing and vote. Potentially complicating this situation is the fact that Exxon holds substantial interest in both tar sands projects and companies, which stand to benefit from the Keystone XL pipeline bringing this carbon-intensive crude oil across the border. http://www.ecowatch.com/trudeau-trump-keystone-xl-2160411968.html? utm_source=EcoWatch+List&utm_campaign=1dbef3fe6f- MailChimp+Email+Blast&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_49c7d43dc9-1dbef3fe6f-85899661

Wind and Solar Are Crushing Fossil Fuels

Record clean energy investment outpaces gas and coal 2 to 1.

Wind and solar have grown seemingly unstoppable.

60 "We're in a low-cost-of-oil environment for the foreseeable future," Liebreich said during his keynote address at the BNEF Summit in New York on Tuesday. "Did that stop renewable energy investment? Not at all."

Here's what's shaping power markets, in six charts from BNEF: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-06/wind-and-solar-are-crushing-fossil-fuels

BP pipeline ruptures into CO river

The county where this spill took place has experienced 19 reported spills in 2016, 12 of those incidents were BP.

Last week, a BP pipeline ruptured in Colorado for “unknown” reasons, spilling coal-bed methane- contaminated wastewater into the river. Upon the discovery of the spill, an earthen dam was constructed to prevent a majority of the toxic chemicals from traveling further downstream. So far, we know the contaminated water has traveled at least 2,300 feet along the tributary bed.

BP has not made a statement about the spill and has remained quiet about the amount of damage this spill has caused. it is also unknown what chemicals were released in the spill. It is also unsure of when the rupture first occurred. http://www.nationofchange.org/2016/12/27/bp-pipeline-ruptures-co-river/

Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton & Kent County chapters oppose TransCanada greenwash donation to literacy program

The Council of Canadians Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton and Kent County chapters have taken to Twitter to oppose TransCanada from greenwashing the 1.1 million barrel per day Energy East pipeline by making a donation to a literacy program in New Brunswick.

Fredericton chapter activist Joan Green tells us, "We went on some of the school websites plus the website for this New Brunswick Literacy program to state our reasons for the schools not to be taking money from TransCanada and to give the money back! We then found out that they had taken these websites down. http://canadians.org/blog/fredericton-saint-john-moncton-kent-county-chapters-oppose-transcanada- greenwash-donation#.WGQLWHhIfdI.facebook

TransCanada pays Ontario town cash for silence on Energy East pipeline

Bloomberg reports, "TransCanada Corp. (TRP) provided an Ontario town along the proposed Energy East pipeline route with cash to buy a rescue truck on conditions that include the municipality not comment on the company’s operations."

"TransCanada gave Mattawa C$30,000 ($28,200) under its community engagement program, according to an agreement appended to the agenda of the town council’s June 23 meeting. The city

61 agreed to 'not publicly comment on TransCanada’s operations or business projects' for five years as part of the agreement, the document showed." In the article, Council of Canadians energy and climate justice campaigner Andrea Harden-Donahue comments, "This is a gag order. These sorts of dirty tricks impede public debate on Energy East, a pipeline that comes with significant risks for communities along the route." http://canadians.org/blog/transcanada-pays-ontario-town-cash-silence-energy-east-pipeline

Pipeline controversy, progress named business story of the year

The increasingly divisive debate over pipelines, with the economic benefits and environmental concerns they carry, has been selected as The Canadian Press business story of the year.

In an annual survey of newsrooms across the country, pipeline development edged out another politically charged issue – real estate – by a single vote, a reflection of how the two stories competed for attention throughout 2016.

The year saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attempt to strike a grand bargain of sorts: approving Kinder Morgan’s expansion of Trans Mountain and the replacement of Enbridge’s Line 3 while also pushing ahead with a national carbon price and rejecting Enbridge’s Northern Gateway.

“In a debate between economy and the environment, the Trudeau government’s decision has not only huge political implications, but has sparked debate and protests over the rights of indigenous peoples that tarnishes the Liberal brand,” said Paul Samyn, editor at the Winnipeg Free Press. http://globalnews.ca/news/3149918/oil-pipelines-kinder-morgan-transmountain-business-story-of-the- year-2016/

Irving Oil’s president says it would keep Saudi imports even if Energy East goes ahead

“We will add Western Canadian crude to our portfolio as the economics dictate, but probably not at the expense of our Saudi barrels,” he said. http://business.financialpost.com/news/energy/irving-oils-president-says-it-would-keep-saudi-imports- even-if-energy-east-goes-ahead

Time for a Reminder: Energy East would be an Export Pipeline

This week, the National Energy Board kicked off its Energy East review with panel sessions in Saint John, New Brunswick. As TransCanada and its backers continue to tout the supposed economic benefits of the risky pipeline proposal, now’s the right time for a reminder that Energy East would be an export pipeline. It’s one more reason to tell Ottawa to reject Energy East. http://environmentaldefence.ca/2016/08/09/time-reminder-energy-east-export-pipeline/

TransCanada’s Energy East An Export Pipeline, NOT for Domestic Gain http://environmentaldefence.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/TransCanadaEast-Eng-06.pdf

62 Alberta doctor tells U.S.: Canada is ‘lying’ about tar sands’ health effects

American Senators told that oil sands are linked to a huge spike in cancer, despite Canadian government claims

“I appeal to you to keep up the pressure – this is an ongoing tragedy. A total disgrace,” said Dr. John O’Connor, Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

“These are published, peer-reviewed studies that indicate that the government of Alberta and Canada have been lying, misrepresenting the impact of industry on the environment,” said O’Connor.

63 Mining

Patagonian Assembly Against Extraction Industries: Reportback from Chile

A youtube search for river in colorado turns yellow finds several videos

The Animas River in Colorado has turned yellow after being contaminated with one million gallons of waste water that leaked from a gold mine.

River in Colorado turned Yellow after being Contaminated with 3 Million gallons of Waste https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJQUycIflJM

‘Colossal damage’: Navajo Nation sues US govt for $160mn over Colorado mine spill

The Navajo Nation has filed a $160 million lawsuit against the US government for damages and ongoing injuries caused by an August 2015 mine spill which released millions of gallons of toxic waste near the tribe’s territory.

The filing, announced in a Monday press release, claims that the Gold King Mine spill negatively impacted communities along the San Juan River on Navajo Nation territory when it released millions of gallons of toxic waste – including lead, arsenic, and mercury – into the nearby Animas River, ultimately transforming the connecting San Juan River from a “life-giver and protector” to a “threat” to the Navajo people, crops, and animals.

The lawsuit is aimed at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which has claimed responsibility for the spill. It seeks $159 million in damages, as well as an additional sum of around $3.2 million to cover expenses already submitted to the EPA which have yet to be reimbursed. https://www.rt.com/usa/369306-navajo-nation-epa-lawsuit/

International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) https://www.icmm.com/en-gb

64 Thousands of Snow Geese Die in Montana Open Pit Mine

Several thousand snow geese have died after a snowstorm forced large flocks to take refuge in the acidic, metal-laden waters of an old open pit mine in Montana.

Mark Thompson, environmental affairs manager for mine company Montana Resources, said witnesses described the pit as like “700 acres of white birds” on 28 November. http://earthfirstjournal.org/newswire/2016/12/07/thousands-of-snow-geese-die-in-montana-open-pit- mine/

ICMM review of the management of tailings dams http://www.icmm.com/tailings-report

BHP Billiton is a founding member of ICMM https://www.icmm.com/en-gb/members/member-companies

As Mining Giant Flails, Human Toll from Brazil Dam Disaster Ticks Up

Meanwhile, according to the Wall Street Journal, investors continued to dump shares in mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd. Monday while the company sought to pin the blame for Thursday's tailings dam collapse on its subsidiary, Samarco, which it owns jointly with another corporation. Samarco, BHP told the WSJ, was "responsible for the entirety" of the operations at the iron ore mine. http://commondreams.org/news/2015/11/09/mining-giant-flails-human-toll-brazil-dam-disaster-ticks

65 Brazil charges BHP and Vale staff over mine collapse

Brazilian prosecutors have filed homicide charges against 21 people a year after an iron ore mine disaster in the state of Minas Gerais.

The accused were employed at the time by the companies involved - Brazil's Samarco and Vale, and BHP Billiton.

In November 2015 a mine dam burst, killing 19 people and polluting miles of Brazil's waterways. http://www.bbc.com/news/business-37723057

66 Forestry

Forestry 2.0 WoodsCamp brings logging into the 21st Century

In 2012, the forest industry in Nova Scotia was on the brink of collapse.

Three established pulp and paper mills — NewPage paper mill in Port Hawkesbury, Bowater Mersey in Liverpool and the Minas Basin paperboard mill in Hantsport — were shutting down.

It was a blow felt and echoed, not just throughout the paper and pulp industry, but the entire forest industry. Like a chain of dominoes, sawmills and lumberyards that were dependent on those pulp and paper mills also shut down and small woodlot owners lost their markets and livelihoods.

“The forest products industry in Nova Scotia is not what it used to be,” says Peter Duinker, a forestry professor at Dalhousie University. “It’s still not up to scratch.”

Enter WoodsCamp, a new Mahone Bay business trying to change the way wood is bought and sold.

“We’re connecting people who have trees and people who want them,” says WoodsCamp co-founder Alastair Jarvis. http://signalhfx.ca/forestry-2-0/

SSNB (Stop Spraying in New Brunswick) has the largest petition that has EVER happened in New Brunswick

Another 13,439 signatures to make a grand total of 27,225 to Stop Herbicide Spraying in New Brunswick Public Forests and NB

SSNB has the largest petition that has EVER happened in New Brunswick: Another 13,439 signatures to make a grand total of 27,225 to Stop Herbicide Spraying in New Brunswick Public Forests and NB Power right-of-ways.

FREDERICTON – On Tuesday December 6, 2016 13,404 WRITTEN signatures will be tabled at the Provincial Legislature which demands that New Brunswick stops spraying of public forests and NB Power right of ways. This third petition presentations represents again communities from every part of the province including francophone, anglophone and Indigenous communities. The petition drive is continuing to gain momentum and SSNB will continue with future petition signature submissions.

A delegation of community organizers representing “Stop Spraying in New Brunswick” (SSNB) will be travelling to Fredericton from communities across New Brunswick to gather for a photo in front of the Legislature at noon on Tuesday, December 6 2016. During this time supportive MLAs have been invited to join us in this photo. https://lefteyex.wordpress.com/2016/12/06/ssnb-stop-spraying-in-new-brunswick-has-the-largest- petition-that-has-ever-happened-in-new-brunswick/

67 Three videos by Charles Leblanc from his Blog at: http://charlesotherpersonalitie.blogspot.ca/

New Brunswick Environment Minister Serge Rousselle meets Anti Sprayers Protesters in front of New Brunswick Legislature!!!!! https://youtu.be/5-B6KRnbbBg

Anti Sprayer Protesters at the Legislature are coming from all over the Province of New Brunswick!!!! https://youtu.be/GXXm3aJIRrw

New Brunswick Green Party Leader David Coon meets Anti Spraying Protesters at Legislature!! https://youtu.be/F0abZ5fgsrw

Green Party leader tables bill to update archaic crown lands legislation

Fredericton –Today, David Coon, MLA for Fredericton South and Leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, tabled a bill entitled an Act to Amend the Crown Lands and Forests Act as a first step in modernizing the act.

“The Crown Lands and Forests Act is almost 40 years old and there is broad consensus that it needs modernization,” said Coon. “Conditions today are totally different than they were in 1980.”

A year ago, 36 provincial organizations representing private woodlot owners, naturalists, conservationists, and recreational hunters and anglers came together with an additional 30 New Brunswick-based scientists and academics asking this government to develop a new Crown Lands and Forests act. Among other things, this coalition wanted a new bill to state clear principles for managing public forests. Coon’s bill will add a statement of purpose to the Act and further clarify the responsibilities of the minister in administering the act.

“New Brunswickers would be appalled to learn that this archaic legislation doesn’t address ecological sustainability, fails to acknowledge Aboriginal treaty rights, or ensure fairness for private woodlot owners and independent sawmill operators,” said Coon. “My bill is a first step in addressing some of these glaring gaps in New Brunswick’s Crown Lands and Forests Act.” http://davidcoonmla.ca/green-party-leader-tables-bill-to-update-archaic-crown-lands-legislation/

The Bill http://davidcoonmla.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Bill-29.pdf

Property tax concessions have cost N.B. nearly $380M over 40 years

CBC News investigation examined tax deals that lighten the tax load for certain businesses

68 Up to $3.5 billion worth of property in New Brunswick enjoys some kind of special tax treatment, a tradition of concessions that has cost the province an estimated $380 million, plus interest, over nearly four decades, a CBC News investigation shows. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-historic-tax-concessions-1.3887534

New Brunswick tax breaks: Who gets what http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/tax-breaks-roundup-1.3889406

Private gain, public pain: trouble in New Brunswick Crown forests

“We’re being screwed here,” Charles Thériault says from the big pink chair in his straw bale house at Kedgwick River, northeastern New Brunswick.

“We’re letting it happen, our governments are letting it happen,” he adds. “We have no control over our natural resources.”

Thériault is talking about provincial Crown forests and his three-and-a-half year campaign to convince New Brunswickers that we’re giving those public forests away.

Thériault is using his website, Is Our Forest Really Ours?, to document the investigation he’s been conducting since 2012.

He says his work began when he discovered that the big forestry company, J.D. Irving Ltd., was diverting some of the Crown wood it had been allocated away from its Kedgwick sawmill.

“The mill was only working about eight months a year, rather than 12 and only one shift,” he says, adding that over a three-year period, the local economy had lost more than $2 million in work and wages. https://warktimes.com/2016/12/18/private-gain-public-pain-trouble-in-new-brunswick-crown-forests/

69 Video Links

We Hold These Truths to be Self-Evident https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu8AYvT0u3I

USA: Military veterans come out in support of Oceti Sakowin Camp

Military veterans arrived at the Oceti Sakowin Camp on Friday to brave the harsh temperatures alongside activists, self-proclaimed 'water protectors', to stop the North Dakota Pipeline. https://youtu.be/AiTmEW6wqtQ