Alberta First Nations Demand Federal Review of $16.5B Carbon Capture Project

Eight First Nations urge federal oversight of the Pathways Alliance's proposed carbon storage network, citing environmental and health concerns.

The $16.5-billion Pathways Alliance project aims to capture emissions from over 20 oilsands facilities and store them underground near Cold Lake, Alberta.
Eight First Nations, including Beaver Lake Cree Nation and Cold Lake First Nations, have requested a federal review under the Impact Assessment Act, citing potential risks to land, health, and safety.
The project involves transporting CO2 emissions 400 kilometers via pipeline to a storage hub located near Indigenous reserve lands.
The Alberta Energy Regulator has jurisdiction over the project but has not required an environmental impact assessment, prompting calls for federal involvement.
The federal Impact Assessment Agency is reviewing the First Nations' request and will recommend whether the project should be designated for federal review.