The Okanagan Capacity Upgrade (OCU) project was planned for more than 30 km of new pipelines from Penticton past Naramata to Chute Lake, traversing vineyards, private properities, streams, and sensitive biodiversity areas. (FortisBC)
The BC Utilities Commission has denied FortisBC’s application for the Okanagan Capacity Upgrade project -- a gas pipeline to meet projected future demand.
As an intervener, First Things First Okanagan Climate Action (FTFO) argued that demand would flatten or decrease due to municipal and provincial initiatives to meet climate targets. BCUC agreed and determined that, "it is not necessary for the public convenience and does not conserve the public interest.”
BCUC made the right decision for our community and our children's children!
In total, the BCUC received 96 letters from the public commenting on the project.
We are changing the narrative together!
The CBC article said, "climate non-profit First Things First Okanagan argued that recent climate action plans from the Okanagan cities of Vernon and Penticton recognized the need to reduce natural gas use in buildings. The intervener [FTFO] argued that those plans would likely lessen natural gas demand in those areas in the years to come."
FortisBC is not giving up, though. They are actively marketing the benefits of RNG - Renewable "Natural" Gas. Our work will continue in 2024 preventing RNG from being designated a low-carbon or zero emission gas.
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