Give today and stand up for protected areas in BC
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- Published on Tuesday, 03 June 2014 14:40
- Written by editor
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Do you want pipelines in our
protected areas and farmlands?
Dear Paov,
You are likely looking forward to summer and perhaps to spending time in one of the many amazing, world renowned natural places in British Columbia. Every year, my family and I look forward to getting out in to nature and having the opportunity to relax and reconnect.
Unfortunately, recent actions suggest that the provincial government does not place the same value on our parks and protected areas as you and I.
As I write to you, the BC government is rushing through laws that remove legal protections – not just from protected areas, but also for farmland within BC’s Agricultural Land Reserve – to pave the way for industrial projects such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and tar sands pipelines.
Will you give $5 a month to help preserve BC’s protected areas and farmlands?
Without any public consultation, the BC government recently rushed through Bill 4 - the Park Amendment Act - which allows ‘research’ related to pipelines, transmission lines and other industrial projects in parks and conservancies, including for the purpose of changing protected areas boundaries to allow for industrial activity.
There are currently over 30 protected areas being considered for boundary adjustments - including the iconic E.C. Manning Provincial Park. These adjustments are being made to accommodate a wide variety of industrial projects, including the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain oil pipelines and tankers proposal, which would dramatically expand the transport of tar sands oil through BC.
At the same time, Bill 24 – the proposed new Agricultural Land Commission Adjustment Act - opens up BC’s farmland to industrial activity, and puts industrial activity on the same footing as agriculture within 90% of the province’s Agricultural Land Reserve.
In the short time since these changes have been introduced, we have already seen first-hand that success is possible. As soon as these decisions were announced, West Coast Environmental Law immediately sounded the alarm far and wide and provided tools for British Columbians to speak out and have their voices heard. And so far the government is paying attention.
Success is possible, but only if we continue to maintain a watchful eye on this troubling trend and ensure that British Columbians have the legal support they need to speak up in an informed way for what they value. Together we can prevent the further erosion of our environmental safety net.
West Coast Environmental Law has a track record of protecting the environment through law going back 40 years. I ask you to contribute today to ensure that BC continues to have a strong team of experienced and dedicated public interest environmental lawyers protecting our land, water and air, for today and for generations to come.
Please become a monthly donor or make your donation today.
In appreciation,
Jessica Clogg
Executive Director and Senior Counsel
West Coast Environmental Law
PS. The best way to protect the environment is through the law, and with your help, our dedicated team of public interest environmental lawyers can continue the work that needs to happen to put a stop to these attacks on our protected areas. Thank you for your support!
More information:
Environmental Law Alert - Why amendments to Bill 24 don't protect agricultural land
Environmental Law Alert - Take action: Say no to pipelines in our parks
Environmental Law Alert - Bill 24 - Agricultural Land Commission Amendment Act: Undermining BC’s food security
Environmental Law Alert - The government invites you to “adjust” BC’s park laws
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