Climate implications of the proposed Energy East Pipeline

In August 2013, energy infrastructure company TransCanada announced its intention to build a $12 billion pipeline and export terminal project called Energy East. The proposed route would run from Hardisty, Alberta, to the Canaport crude terminal near Saint John, New Brunswick. The pipeline would have the capacity to transport 1.1 million barrels per day of crude oil, including oilsands and conventional crude production. If it proceeds as proposed, Energy East would be a very significant new piece of oil transportation infrastructure. Indeed, Ontario's Minister of Energy, Bob Chiarelli, called the proposal "certainly the most significant east-west energy transportation initiative in a generation" and "the largest pipeline project in Canada in over 50 years."