LÉVIS, Que. – Quebec’s environmental regulation agency commenced hearings on the Energy East pipeline project Monday despite recent opposition.
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Last week, a Quebec court refused an environmental coalition’s request to suspend the hearings.
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The coalition was seeking the injunction because it believes the process will not be complete without impact studies from TransCanada PipeLines Ltd., which is behind the $15.7-billion project.
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Quebec Environment Minister David Heurtel also announced last week the province will be going to court to ensure the plans for the Quebec portion of the project respect the province’s laws and regulations.
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TransCanada said it is committed to participating in the hearings, which will take place in Lévis, across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City.
Energy East would carry more than a million barrels a day of western crude as far east as Saint John, New Brunswick.