Premier John Horgan calls the federal government’s Trans Mountain pipeline decision “disappointing.”

“Although I regret the federal government’s decision it is within their authority to make that decision. It is now up to Environment Minister George Heyman and I and the government of British Columbia that as this project proceeds we have no impacts on our marine life, and we have no impacts on our natural environment, and we do not put at risk one of the hottest economies in the country. Our economy that is working for all British Columbians and not just a select few.”

Horgan says his government still has at least one court stop left in opposing the pipeline.

“We are going to continue with our reference case to the Supreme Court. This is the matter of orders of government determining where jurisdictions rest when it comes to environmental issues. As we issue permits should the permits be lawfully sought, should the permits not be contravening any of the conditions that have been put in place by either the National Energy Board or the federal government we will proceed in an appropriate manner.”

And if the permits are out of line?

“Should there be permits that do not fit into that category we have every right and responsibility to ensure that we are protecting the public interest and we will continue to do that.”

Horgan is perplexed by the pipeline decision a day after the Trudeau government declared a climate emergency.

“It does ring somewhat hollow that on one day you can claim that there is an emergency and on another day you can accelerate the increase of emissions in Canada.”

He says he spoke to the Prime Minister this morning and urged him to double down on spill prevention and response especially for B.C.’s ocean waters.