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VICTORIA – The Province is creating a new regulatory
framework for oil and gas by establishing the Oil and Gas Activities Act, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum
Resources Richard Neufeld announced today.
“B.C.’s oil and gas industry has expanded
dramatically under this government,” said Neufeld. “With record-setting land rights sales and strong interest in
developing the province’s emerging gas plays, this statute sets the structure
for success. This new innovation-ready
legislation will support growth in a way that safeguards the environment and
demonstrates the Province’s stewardship of our energy resources.”
The Oil and Gas
Activities Act supports key commitments of the BC Energy Plan by consolidating
oil and gas regulatory requirements, improving permitting processes, creating a
new process for appealing decisions of the Oil and Gas Commission (OGC), and
enhancing the powers of the OGC with respect to compliance and enforcement and
responding to stakeholders.
The act will establish new requirements for notification and consultation of
individuals directly affected by oil and gas proposals and will add new
regulatory powers to improve the protection of environmental and landowner
interests. In addition, this
legislation will:
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Create a comprehensive
compliance and enforcement regime suitable for regulating this complex
industry.
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Strengthen the existing
penalty structure for offences to include fines of up to $1.5 million for
non-compliance.
·
Support emerging geothermal
resources by more effectively regulating the exploration and drilling of this
resource.
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Encourage innovation for an
increasingly efficient industry, active in safeguarding the environment.
For more information on the BC Energy Plan, go to www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca.
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contact: |
Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 250 952-0628 250 213-6934 (cell) |
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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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