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VICTORIA
– John van Dongen, Minister of State
for Intergovernmental Relations, announced British Columbia has invited Montana
to participate in the Environmental Assessment review process of the Lodgepole
coal mine project and a comprehensive review of existing environmental data and
research available on the Flathead Basin.
“British
Columbia and Montana are actively working together to share information on
natural resource development proposals in order to build confidence and trust
between our jurisdictions,” said van Dongen. “This is an important step forward
in our efforts to have a better understanding of transboundary issues in the
Flathead watershed, and work effectively with each other.”
In a
letter to Governor Brian Schweitzer released today, Premier Gordon Campbell
invited Montana to participate in the Lodgepole coal mine project’s
environmental assessment advisory working group. This invitation is consistent
with the guiding principles of the British Columbia Environmental Review
process – that all parties who may potentially be affected by a development are
involved in the review. The invitation follows a successful September 2005
meeting in Vancouver.
“We
have some of the best environmental standards in the world, including a
provincial and federal environmental assessment process that is open and
accountable,” said van Dongen. “I am confident in the integrity and rigour of
our approach and welcome Montana’s participation.”
In
addition to becoming a participant in the environmental review, Campbell has
proposed that the two jurisdictions undertake a comprehensive review of
existing environmental data and research on the Flathead region. This review
will ensure agencies in both jurisdictions can work together from a shared data
set, which would assist environmental assessment of future natural resource
development proposals in the Flathead.
“Premier Campbell and I
have built a great partnership,” said Governor Brian Schweitzer. “This is an
example of good cross-border co-operation built on mutual respect and Montana
looks forward to working with British Columbia as we move forward with the
review process.”
The
proposed Lodgepole coal mine project is located in southeastern British
Columbia, approximately 40 km north of the international border with Montana in
the Flathead River watershed.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Bureau Government of British Columbia 250 387-9116 |
Communications Director Governor Brian Schweitzer 406 444-9725 |
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For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca. |
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