Mackenzie pipeline in public good: proponents

Proponents of the Mackenzie Valley pipeline gave their final pitches on Monday to the National Energy Board, which must decide whether to approve the $16.2-billion proposed natural gas project in the Northwest Territories.

The NEB, an independent federal agency that regulates part of Canada's energy sector, is hearing final arguments on the pipeline proposal this week in Yellowknife. The board will also hold hearings next week in Inuvik, N.W.T.

The Sierra Club of Canada wants strict conditions on the natural gas that would flow through the pipeline — specifically on how that gas would be used after it connects with other gas networks in northern Alberta.

"We have to make sure that that gas is used wisely so that it is used, for example, to replace coal," Sierra Club ecojustice lawyer Keith Ferguson said.

"That could help reduce Canada's greenhouse gases, as opposed to having that gas go to the Alberta oilsands, for example, where it will increase Canada's greenhouse gases."

Alternatives North and the Sierra Club, along with other interveners, are expected to make their presentations to the board on Tuesday afternoon.