EDMONTON — A new coalition of rural residents, farmers and Indigenous communities has formed in Alberta to oppose a proposed carbon capture pipeline project backed by major oilsands producers.
The group, called No CO2 Pipelines Alberta, says it represents people living along the planned 600-kilometre Pathways Alliance carbon capture and storage network and is raising concerns about safety, environmental risks and potential public costs.
Organizers say the project, which would transport captured carbon dioxide for storage, poses risks including possible pipeline ruptures and impacts on water sources. They also argue the development has not undergone sufficient regulatory scrutiny related to community safety.
The coalition says it plans to push for greater oversight and public awareness, including releasing mapping it describes as outlining potential hazard zones along the proposed route.
The Pathways project, aimed at reducing emissions from oilsands operations, has been promoted as a key part of Alberta’s carbon reduction strategy, though it has also drawn criticism over cost, ownership and long-term risks.
The group’s launch comes as an April 1 deadline approaches for a memorandum of understanding between Alberta and the federal government related to carbon capture development
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