News Release
Pacific Northwest LNG Project – Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, February 19, 2013 – As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG Project in British Columbia. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

Progress Energy Canada Ltd. is proposing to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility and marine terminal near Prince Rupert, within the District of Port Edward. The Pacific Northwest LNG facility would be located on Lelu Island. The proposed project would convert natural gas to LNG for export to Pacific Rim markets in Asia.

Written comments must be submitted by March 11, 2013 to:

Pacific Northwest LNG Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
410-701 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
Tel.: 604-666-2431
Fax: 604-666-6990
GNLPacificNorthwestLNG@ceaa-acee.gc.ca

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website (registry reference number 80032). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post on its website a decision stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach. If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.

-30-

For more information, media may contact:

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: 613-957-0278