Premier Christy Clark today welcomed the news that two companies, BG Group and Imperial Oil/ ExxonMobil Canada Ltd. both have filed liquefied natural gas (LNG) export applications with the National Energy Board.

"Once again we see companies wanting to take advantage of B.C.'s LNG potential and this move today highlights industry's continued interest in its potential," said Premier Clark. "We are developing this sector so it benefits all British Columbians for generations to come."

"These applications, if approved by the National Energy Board, show that we are on the verge of new economic opportunities with LNG," said Rich Coleman, Minister of Natural Gas Development. "The development of our LNG sector is part of our long-term plan for a debt-free B.C."

The two companies are filing LNG applications with the National Energy Board (NEB) to export LNG to customers overseas where the demand is high for LNG. If the NEB grants permission, the total export licences awarded would rise to five.

In reviewing each export application, the NEB ensures the quantity of the gas does not exceed the amount required to meet domestic demand.

Quick Facts:

• BG Group - application to export 21.6 million metric tonnes annually of LNG from its Prince Rupert LNG export facility.

• Imperial Oil/ ExxonMobil Canada Ltd. - application to export 30 million metric tonnes annually of LNG. It continues to assess potential site locations.

• 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.

• The NEB has issued export licences to three other LNG proponents: LNG Canada (Shell and co-venture partners); Kitimat LNG (Chevron/Apache) and Douglas Channel LNG (Texas-based company and Haisla Nation partnership).

Learn More:

LNG Strategy: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mngd/

LNG One Year Update: http://www.gov.bc.ca/mngd/

Media Contacts:

Ben Chin
Office of the Premier
250 588-3113

Sandra Steilo|
Media Relations
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617