Fernie, B.C. — The provincial government’s declaration that the Flathead Valley is off-limits for coalbed methane (CBM) extraction is a huge step in the right direction but there’s still a long way to go.
“We are extremely pleased the government has formally expressed the environmental importance of the Flathead,” Wildsight’s Flathead Program Manager Casey Brennan. “But we’re not out of the woods yet.”
Yesterday’s announcement forcing oil and gas giant BP’s withdrawal from CBM extraction in the Flathead sets an environmental precedent – one that may apply to BP’s pending extraction proposal in the Elk Valley, which would give BP drilling rights of roughly 400 sq. km within less than two months.
“We are also extremely pleased the government has deemed CBM extraction as a huge health and environmental risk,” says Brennan. “This precedent now applies across the board. There’s no difference between CBM extraction in the Flathead and in the Elk Valley”
Wildsight states that while this announcement is admirable, the goal remains on finding long-term solutions.
“This announcement is the product of clear thinking on the part of our government, as well as the government across the border in Montana,” says Brennan. “Let’s see this realistic reasoning carry forward, so all of us can enjoy a healthy future.”
Wildsight’s campaign helped to demonstrate that people can have a voice in the future of their communities. A lot of letters have been sent out from local concerned citizens to decision makers and Wildsight will continue to lead an information and action campaign on this issue.
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For more information, contact:
Casey Brennan, Wildsight Southern Rockies and Flathead Program Manager
250.423.2603 (h) 250.423.0402 (c) casey@wildsight.ca
