Is “mining” coalbed methane, actually mining? Or is it natural gas extraction? Regardless of the correct classification of this activity, Senator Baucus, a Democrat from Montana, lumps it in with mining. In particular, with proposed mining in British Columbia that could conceivably have an impact on Montana.
I would love to have been present at this meeting on the topic which is described in these words by the press:
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In a Washington D.C. meeting with executives for British Petroleum, U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., issued his harshest rebukes yet for BP’s coalbed methane exploration proposal in the Canadian Flathead. BP can expect “a knock-down, drag-out fight” and “a massive and unpleasant fight from Montana that will end badly” Baucus told BP America Chairman and President Bob Malone and BP Canada chief Randy McLeod. Baucus’s threats refer specifically to BP’s intent to file an exploratory permit for what it calls its “Mist Mountain” coalbed methane (CBM) extraction project in southeastern British Columbia. Baucus is also working to top a separate coal mining project proposed by the Cline Mining Company in the same area and is working with U.S. Senator Jon Tester, D-Mont. to shepherd $1.25 million through Congress to collect baseline environmental data in the area.
The good Senators are in their turn being watched by their constituents:
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One group from the Kalispell area, the North Fork Preservation Association, is watchdogging the activities of Cline Mining and BP, as well as what Senators Baucus and Tester are doing on the issue. They post links to various newspaper articles around the region that report on the active and proposed mining just a few miles north of our border with Canada.
I have always been told that Canadians are nicer, more tolerant people than Americans. This case may highlight the truth. Certainly in this case they seem to be more tolerant than Americans. Consider:
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Currently, Cline Mining Corp. wants to remove a mountaintop at the headwaters of the Canadian Flathead, digging some 40 million tons of coal over the next 20 years. And BP Canada Energy Co. has proposed a $100 million coalbed methane exploration project in that same river drainage.
Now the whole of America is up in discussion (if not yet arms) about mountain top mining in the south, and Montana is up in belligerent words about BP and mountain top mining in BC. Yet nary a word is heard in Canada about any of this. If this because Canadians are inherently more peaceful than Americans, is it because there are simply fewer of them to go around, or is it because they support their politicians with a fervor that is alien to Americans. I quote:
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Opponents have requested an exhaustive baseline environmental study be completed before development begins, so any future problems can be measured against natural conditions. Provincial leaders in British Columbia have balked at such lengthy analysis, and recently said they will allow BP to begin drilling even as baseline data is collected. Scientists and political leaders in both Canada and Montana have warned that approach will taint results, and have requested at least three years of data collection before the companies break ground.
The question of how to go about opening new mines and gas extraction operations clearly is something that is approached in different ways by different communities and countries. Conflicts of approach highlight the inherent strengths and weaknesses of different systems. Here we have a conflict of approach between neighbors who share similar ideals and heritage; it will be fascinating to see how they ultimately differ on environmental protection and the rights of the community.
