N.B. to Review Ban on Fracking Amid U.S. Tariffs and Economic Pressures, Premier Says
The province will consult First Nations, local governments and residents as it weighs safety, market conditions and economic gains from natural gas.
- On Wednesday, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt announced a public review of the province's 2014 fracking ban, aiming to explore economic growth and energy autonomy amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.
- Former Liberal Premier Brian Gallant implemented the moratorium in 2014 following environmental protests and groundwater concerns, though a 2019 exemption currently allows limited natural gas extraction in Sussex.
- New Brunswick holds an estimated 77.9 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, while the province faces budget deficits until at least 2028 and relies on costly gas imports via the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline.
- Natural Resources Minister John Herron emphasized the review is a "start of a conversation" involving a five-month dialogue with First Nations and industry stakeholders; Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson stated First Nations rights must remain central.
- Premier Susan Holt noted she is exploring "at all options" yet acknowledged no private-sector interest currently exists, and officials warned that if safe extraction cannot be guaranteed, the government will not proceed.
16 Articles
16 Articles
N.B. to review fracking ban amid U.S. tariffs, economic pressures
New Brunswick’s Liberal government is considering whether it should drop its long-standing ban on extracting the province’s large natural gas reserves through fracking as it looks for ways to boost its economy and secure Canada’s energy independence. Premier Susan Holt announced a public review into the fracking ban on Wednesday, saying she’s looking “at all options” to support growth in her province amid Canada’s escalating trade war with the …
N.B. to review ban on fracking amid U.S. tariffs and economic pressures, premier says
New Brunswick's Liberal government is considering whether it should drop its long-standing ban on extracting the province's large natural gas reserves as it looks for ways to boost its economy and secure Canada's energy independence. Premier Susan Holt announced a public review into the fracking ban...
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