November 20, 2007

Campbell River – North Island MLA Claire Trevena has come out strongly in opposition to the proposed coalbed methane exploration and extraction in Campbell River and Comox Valley areas.

In a recent letter Trevena stated, “I am extremely concerned about the impacts this could have on our water supply, our watersheds, and generally on the environment.”

Trevena has met with the project proponents and has talked with many concerned community members and groups.

According to Trevena, the environmental impacts supersede any argument the company is offering that Campbell River "needs" this gas. “We do not need to put our environment at risk for this source of energy.”

And the recent decision by Government to allow continued dumping of toxic waste water from CBM wells into the Elk River, near Fernie, BC, raises the red flag even higher.

“Sadly, a Government which says it is committed to dealing with climate change is not taking serious steps to explore clean, renewable energy technologies.”

Unfortunately Cabinet will have the final say on whether communities have coalbed methane drilling, potentially ignoring local voices and local knowledge.

“I want the community voice heard,” said Trevena. “And I am pleased to participate in any way necessary to ensure that we do not have coalbed methane drilling in our communities.”