The Alberta government has signed a deal with Enbridge that Premier Danielle Smith says will increase exports of the province’s heavy oil to the United States.
The agreement will establish a working group to “evaluate future outbound, transportation, storage, terminal and market access opportunities” across the company’s extensive network.
Smith said the team’s goal will be to double the amount of oil Alberta produces and meet Enbridge’s goals.
“(It) aligns with Enbridge’s plans to upgrade their existing pipeline systems and we look forward to partnering with them to improve cross-border transportation solutions. This will also allow us to play a role in supporting the United States in its energy security and affordability.” . objectives,” he said.
The group will also allow Enbridge to work with the government to reduce bureaucracy and simplify regulations and permit approvals.
“We are prepared, and exceptionally well positioned, to work with producers and governments to deliver capacity as production increases, providing cost-effective, scalable and executable solutions now and over the decade that support North America’s energy security, reliability and affordability. “said Greg Ebel, president and CEO of Enbridge Inc.
Smith has previously said he aims to double Alberta’s oil and gas production and is talking to all pipeline companies about it.
He also said he hopes to be in the United States for a few days each month this year.
The performance begins later this month in Washington, DC, when she attends President Donald Trump’s inauguration, followed by trips to Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
Trump has said that one way for countries to avoid the proposed 25 percent tariffs is to buy oil and gas produced in the United States.
On his radio show Saturday, Smith said the United States produces 13 million barrels of oil a day but consumes 20 million, so Trump’s suggestion only works if Alberta helps cover that seven million barrel shortfall.
“We have been such a calm, friendly and competent neighbor that we are no longer on anyone’s radar screen, and we just want to continue to be that calm, friendly and competent neighbor who can help Americans get the products they need and, as I think we defend it, we will be able to defend the exemption of tariffs on all our products in all our provinces,” said Smith, in the program.
Smith said the deal with Enbridge will be the first of many similar deals with other oil companies doing business in Alberta.
“We are also in discussions with other pipeline companies and look forward to advancing other ideas and opportunities that will continue to provide Albertans who own this resource with investment returns and proactive market access opportunities.”
With files from Amy Stalker
