The Bay du Nord project has received federal environmental approval.

Official confirmation came early Wednesday evening shortly before 6:30 p.m. Newfoundland time. In his decision, Federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault determined that Equinor’s deep water offshore oil project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

The Environmental Assessment Decision Statement can be seen on the federal government’s website.

Province’s Reaction

“Yes, the Bay du Nord project is a go.”

Premier Andrew Furey, smiling broadly, entered the provincial government conference centre Wednesday night to applause as he reacted to federal environmental approval of the Bay du Nord project.

Furey was joined by Energy Minister Andrew Parsons and Energy NL CEO Charlene Johnson.

Furey applauded Equinor for the project which he says comes at an important time, and says it comes as a “huge sigh of relief” to the many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians employed in the offshore industry.

Opposition Reaction

The provincial Opposition meanwhile is pleased that Bay du Nord has received environmental approval, despite what they call Liberal reluctance to allow the project to go ahead.

Opposition Leader David Brazil says Bay du Nord has always been the right project for Newfoundland and Labrador and the country, despite the “dithering” of the federal Environment Minister to appease cabinet colleagues in Ontario and BC.

Opposition Energy critic Lloyd Parrott says the news is welcome, but they’re awaiting the details of the agreement to ensure it protects the interests of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

EnergyNL Reaction

EnergyNL CEO Charlene Johnson says the next step is sanctioning of the project and she thanked the many people working in the offshore industry for their patience in what has been a challenging time.

“To the thousands of Energy NL members and supporters who have been concerned for the future of this project” and who shared their stories with elected officials, “I offer my sincerest thanks for your efforts and for hanging in there with us” she says.

CAPP Reaction

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is pleased that the federal government “relied on the science and supported the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s assessment” in approving the project.

CAPP calls Bay du Nord an environmentally sound project that will provide secure, responsibly developed energy to the world.