Canada’s pipeline subsidies continue to grow due to low tolls

A recent report shows Canadians may lose more than $18.8 billion due to the government's low toll rates for the Trans Mountain pipeline, with the oil industry reaping the benefits.

Mitch Anderson reports for DeSmog.

In short:

The government bought the Trans Mountain pipeline in 2019 but failed to update toll rates, leaving taxpayers responsible for billions in costs.
Oil companies pay far below market rates, creating an $18.8 billion subsidy, or about $1,200 per Canadian household.
Raising tolls now could lead to legal challenges or companies abandoning contracts, complicating efforts to recoup taxpayer money.

Key quote:

“The bottom line is the oil industry should be paying for the full capital cost, not the taxpayer.”

— Tom Gunton, Simon Fraser University professor and author of the International Institute of Sustainable Development report

Why this matters:

With Canada committed to eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, the public bears an enormous financial burden while oil companies profit. This raises questions about the government's priorities in balancing economic and environmental responsibilities.

www.desmog.com

Canada’s pipeline subsidies continue to grow due to low tolls

China is the new science power: how will Europe respond?

Insiders warn how dismantling federal agencies could put science at risk

‘Trump is against humankind’: World leaders at climate summit take swipes at absent president

10 years after the Paris Climate Agreement, here's where we are

Planet in peril: 30 years of climate talks in six charts

China, world’s top carbon polluter, likely to overdeliver on climate goals. Will that be enough?

Elections set up national battleground over electricity

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.