Forum
Premier says Nova Scotia preparing to negotiate with one exploratory fracking bidder
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says his government is about to start negotiating with one company interested in exploratory onshore drilling for natural gas, and he’s hopeful a second call for proposals that just launched will land further proponents.
“Having at least one quality applicant who’s ready with all the information is a good sign for the province,” Houston told reporters following his appearance at a Halifax Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
Earlier this month, Dalhousie University, which is overseeing the provincial government’s drive to launch an onshore natural gas industry, forwarded four proposals to the Energy Department for consideration.
Houston said Monday that the three other proposals were determined to require more work, and that they could be submitted at a later date.
Dalhousie also announced Monday the launch of a second round of bids for the work.
The province has given the school about $24 million to use as incentives for potential developers as part of the Subsurface Energy Research and Development Investment Program, which also includes a research component that investigates potential environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, for onshore natural gas. |Read more|