Good News! Trans Mountain Pipeline Approval Rejected!

The Federal Court of Appeals of Canada rejected the government’s approval of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Pipeline on August 30!
 
The reasons for this decision:
 
1. The Canadian government failed to consider the impacts of marine vessel traffic on the Southern Resident Killer Whales and their environment, citing “the risk of significant, if not catastrophic, adverse environmental and socio-economic effects should a spill occur.” (No surprise for Safe Shippers!)
 
2. The Canadian government failed in its constitutional duty to “engage in a considered, meaningful two-way dialogue” with First Nations affected by the project. (Power to the People!)
The Salish Sea protectors who, along with their legal teams, secured this victory for all of us:
Tsleil-Waututh Nation
City of Vancouver
City of Burnaby
The Squamish Nation
Coldwater Indian Band
The Stó:lō Collective
Upper Nicola Band
Stk’emlupsemc te Secwepemc of the Secwepemc Nation
Raincoast Conservation Foundation
Living Oceans Society
Because of today’s decision, pipeline construction is halted indefinitely — until (if) the approval’s failures are fixed. Tar Sands Alberta is throwing a fit and the Canadian government is blithely going ahead with its purchase of the pipeline from Kinder Morgan, so you can bet there will be more court battles ahead. The First Nations are committed to taking this all the way to Canada’s Supreme Court, if necessary — and we’ll continue to Warrior Up with them!
 
We have all been taking actions against this pipeline and for the Salish Sea since 2013! Thank you!
************
MORE INFO
Federal Court of Appeal: Full Decision
Federal Court of Appeal: Decision Summary
CBC News: ‘We are winning’: Several B.C. First Nations celebrate Trans Mountain victory
Canada’s National Observer: Court quashes Trudeau’s approval of Trans Mountain pipeline
The Seattle Times: Canada court halts Pacific pipeline in blow to Trudeau
Raincoast Conservation Foundation: ‘A critical win’ – Ecojustice, Living Oceans Society, Raincoast Conservation Foundation celebrate Trans Mountain ruling
Raincoast Conservation Foundation: We’ve won our legal challenge and have stopped Trans Mountain
RAVEN: We won! A resounding victory against Kinder Morgan
Pull Together Campaign: It’s unbelievable, but we just won! Kinder Morgan is quashed!!!
CBC News: Alberta pulling out of federal climate change plan until pipeline construction resumes
The Seattle Times: Concern over endangered orcas blows up approval of Trans Mountain pipeline in Canada
CBC News: How the killer whale became the Achilles heel of Trans Mountain pipeline approval
Earth Justice: U.S. Tribes Applaud Court Decision Rejecting Trans Mountain Pipeline

We chose to live on the westside of San Juan Island because of its natural beauty, and we want to preserve it for future generations. That’s where the Friends of the San Juans come in. Since their inception, they have been the guardians of the Salish Sea and this place we call home.

Glen and Deb Bruels

members, San Juan Island