CER continues oversight role of KXL
January 21, 2021
The U.S. presidential permit for TC Energy's Keystone XL pipeline (KXL or project) was revoked on Jan. 20, 2021. On the same day, TC Energy announced its plan to suspend the project.
As the regulator for the Canadian portion of the project, the CER will work with TC Energy to ensure the suspension of the project is done safely. The CER will continue its regulatory oversight of the project, focusing on ensuring safety and environmental protection.
The project was approved by the National Energy Board in March 2010. The Canadian portion includes 529 km of pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta, to the Canada/U.S. border at Monchy, Saskatchewan.
To date, the company’s construction activities in Canada have occurred entirely within Alberta, with the exception of the completed 2.2 km section at the Canada/U.S. border crossing. As of mid-January 2021, the company has prepared 189 km of right-of-way, installed and backfilled 146 km of pipe, and completed 53 km of rough clean-up.
The company, as it determines its path forward, will need to seek any necessary regulatory approvals from the Commission of the CER. For any sections of the pipe already built that will no longer be required, the company must follow all CER requirements related to decommissioning and abandonment.
The CER works to keep energy moving safely and efficiently through our country’s pipelines and powerlines. We confidently enforce some of the strictest safety and environmental standards in the world.
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