British Columbia's goal to build an LNG industry took another important stride forward today when Canada's National Energy Board (NEB) approved four separate export applications.

"These export approvals mark a major milestone in our efforts to create jobs and grow our economy by leveraging our abundant supply of natural gas," said Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman. "Now that the NEB has approved the applications, we look forward to a timely decision from the federal government so that we can ensure these companies are positioned to make final investment decisions as quickly as possible."

The four applications approved by the National Energy Board were:

• Prince Rupert LNG Exports Ltd., proposed by the BG Group.

• Pacific NorthWest LNG Ltd., proposed by PETRONAS/Progress Energy.

• WCC LNG Ltd., representing Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil Canada Ltd.

• Woodfibre LNG Export Pte. Ltd., proposed by Woodfibre Natural Gas Limited.

These four submissions will now be reviewed by the Government of Canada and remain subject to approval by the Governor in Council.

The NEB is an independent federal regulator of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

Quick facts:

Prior to today, the NEB has issued export licences to three other LNG proponents:

• A 20-year export licence was approved in February 2012 for the Douglas Channel Energy project (Texas company/Haisla Nation/Golar LNG and an investor to be named later).
• A 20-year licence was granted in October 2011 to Kitimat LNG (Apache Corp. and Chevron Canada).
• LNG Canada (Shell and co-venture partners) received an export licence in February 2013.

If five LNG facilities move forward, the cumulative gross domestic product benefit to British Columbia could total $1 trillion by 2046.

LNG export operations in B.C. could create over 100,000 new jobs in British Columbia and new revenues for government to support a debt-free future.

Media Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617