Now B.C.’s NDP government faces a situation where 20 per cent of its greenhouse gas emissions already come from natural gas production, and the royalty system has not adapted to the shale gas revolution in northeastern B.C.
“For the first time in 30 years, British Columbians will be able to have their say on how we design a new system that aligns with our goals for economic development, a fair return on public resources and continued environmental protection,” Energy Minister Bruce Ralston said as he announced a public comment period that continues until Dec.
Different rates for the methane gas and associated liquids and condensates produce a costly, complex system for both government and industry that assesses royalties on the raw resource entering processing plants, rather than on the value of refined products.