Kinder Morgan suspends Trans Mountain expansion

Pipeline politics have put a halt to the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

Kinder Morgan announced on Sunday that it would be suspending all non-essential activities and spending related to the project.

Kinder Morgan Canada Limited (KML) Suspends Non-Essential Spending on Trans Mountain Expansion Project. More: https://t.co/z2xYsT13iI

— Kinder Morgan (@Kinder_Morgan) April 8, 2018

The company specifically cited continued actions from the Province of British Columbia as the reason it won’t commit additional shareholder resources to the project.

Kinder Morgan will, however, consult with various shareholders by May 31 in an effort to reach agreements that allow the project to proceed.

Those consultations will focus on clarity on the path forward and the adequate protection of Kinder Morgan shareholders.

"A company cannot resolve differences between governments,” said Steve Kean, KML chairman and CEO.

“While we have succeeded in all legal challenges to date, a company cannot litigate its way to an in-service pipeline amidst jurisdictional differences between governments.”

British Columbians expect us to stand up for their interests and our coast, and to do everything we can to defend our land and waters, our coastal communities and our local economies.

Link to my full statement: https://t.co/iqn1VVeoNB #bcpoli

— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) April 9, 2018

Meanwhile, B.C. Premier John Horgan released a statement regarding the decision on Sunday as well.

“British Columbians expect their government to stand up for their interests and our coast, and to do everything we can to protect our land and waters, our coastal communities and our local economies,” he said.

“The federal process failed to consider B.C.’s interests and the risk to our province. We joined the federal challenge, started by others, to make that point.”

Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said that the province would be bringing forward legislation that would give her government the power it needs to impose “serious economic consequences” on B.C.

Albertans have been clear: Get this pipeline built.
And Albertans are right. This pipeline must be built.
Never count Alberta out. This pipeline will be built. #ableg #abndp #abpoli

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) April 8, 2018

We have won a series of important and decisive legal victories.
The courts threw out BC's last case without even hearing it.
And I am confident we will continue to win. #ableg #abndp #abpoli #KeepCanadaWorking

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) April 8, 2018

If we have to, Alberta is prepared to do whatever it takes to get this pipeline built - including taking a public position in the pipeline.
Put another way, Alberta is prepared to be an investor in the pipeline.
This pipeline will be built.#ableg #abpoli #KeepCanadaWorking

— Rachel Notley (@RachelNotley) April 8, 2018

“Let me be absolutely clear, (B.C.) cannot mess with Alberta,” she tweeted.

“We will be bringing forward legislation giving our gov't the powers it needs to impose serious economic consequences on British Columbia if its government continues on its present course.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has not yet made a statement regarding Sunday’s decision.