Pipelines seem more popular amid Trump’s threats. But does it make sense to build new ones?

oil exports, but it also highlights the challenges that come with building new fossil fuel infrastructure in a world that is rapidly moving towards clean energy sources.

The lack of celebration surrounding the opening of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion in 2024 reflects the complex and often contradictory attitudes towards pipelines in Canada. While the project is seen as a boon for Alberta’s oil industry and a step towards economic and energy independence, it has also faced fierce opposition from climate advocates who see it as a setback for emissions reduction goals.

The recent Liberal Party leadership debates have shown a shift in attitudes towards pipelines, with frontrunner candidates expressing support for projects like Energy East and Northern Gateway. This change is driven in part by the need to assert Canada’s economic sovereignty in the face of threats from the U.S., but it also reflects a broader reevaluation of the role of pipelines in a transitioning energy landscape.

A recent Angus Reid survey suggests that support for pipelines is on the rise in Canada, with even traditionally opposed provinces like Quebec showing increased support for projects like Energy East. This shift in public opinion reflects a growing concern for economic stability and energy security in a rapidly changing world.

However, critics argue that doubling down on fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines may not be the best long-term strategy for Canada. Hayden Mertins-Kirkwood of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives warns of the risk of investing in infrastructure that may become obsolete as the world moves towards renewable energy sources.

The lessons learned from the Trans Mountain project, with its massive cost overruns and delays, serve as a cautionary tale for future pipeline proposals. While new pipelines may offer short-term economic benefits, they also come with significant risks and uncertainties in a world that is increasingly prioritizing clean energy and emissions reduction.

As the world works towards net-zero emissions by 2050, the future of fossil fuel infrastructure like pipelines remains uncertain. The push for clean energy and the transition away from fossil fuels will continue to shape the debate around pipelines in Canada, highlighting the need for a balanced and forward-thinking approach to energy policy in the years to come.