October 03 2008 » Media Releases
Shell Coalbed Methane: Time to Press Eject
All six federal candidates oppose drilling in the Sacred Headwaters
The call for Royal Dutch Shell to pull up stakes and go home is louder now than ever, say representatives with the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition.
The group was responding to news that now all six federal candidates in the Skeena-Bulkley Valley riding, led by incumbent New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen, oppose Shell’s project.
“Shell and the BC government cannot deny the many diverse voices calling for Shell to pull out,” said McPhail. “It is coming from all sectors of the community, and from every political stripe – and it’s getting louder every day.”
Last week, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and BC First Nations Summit both passed resolutions against Shell’s project. The UBCM called on the BC government to suspend Shell’s drilling in the Sacred Headwaters, while the First Nations Summit called for a 10-year moratorium on all coalbed methane drilling in BC.
“These resolutions show that we in the Skeena are not alone in our struggle with the coalbed methane industry,” said McPhail. “There has been serious community opposition nearly everywhere in BC coalbed methane drilling has been proposed. People are going to stick together on this.”
Last month, under pressure from northwest communities and First Nations, Shell announced they were “pausing” their drilling plans in the Sacred Headwaters until the end of 2008.
“Shell may have pressed pause, but the people of this region want them to press eject. Their project is simply not wanted in our watersheds.”
“If Shell chooses to push its drilling plans against the wishes of BC’s communities and First Nations, it will show a fundamental disrespect for local residents and indigenous people,” McPhail added.
For interviews, please contact
Shannon McPhail: (250) 842-2494, or cell (250) 842-8738
