Coalbed methane resolution calls for halt

The Comox Strathcona Regional District passed the following resolution on June 30, 2003, and will bring it to the Union of BC Municipalities convention in Vancouver on September 22-23, 2003

WHEREAS the Province of British Columbia is promoting the exploration and development of  coalbed methane and has implemented a number of legislative and monetary incentives and has sold more than $50 million in drilling rights for coalbed methane projects;

AND WHEREAS coalbed methane development has high risks, especially regarding impacts on groundwater and the quality of disposed water from its processes;

AND WHEREAS local communities, including their local governments, First Nations, and potentially affected landowners have not been adequately informed or consulted about the effects of coal bed methane production;

AND WHEREAS the Provincial Government has not completed baseline studies in the watersheds nor has it put in place adequate policies, procedures, regulations, and enforcement tools to protect communities from potential harm;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Union of B.C. Municipalities request that the Provincial Government issue no further drilling licences, tenures, or other permits for coalbed methane exploration and development until local communities, their local governments, and First Nations are consulted and their concerns are fully considered, and until adequate policies, regulations, and guidelines are enacted to ensure the safe development of coalbed methane in the Province of British Columbia.