I agree.

Saw a show about coal bed methane in Wyoming and/or Montana. Very harmful to groundwater and the earth. It weren't nice. Water turns brackish and the land aint good fer nuthin. Hope someone picks up on these previous lessons. But I doubt it.

That may be one man's opinion, Mr. Meisner, but there are a lot of folks in the Bulkley Valley who share it with you!

If this project proceeds, it will be the first in B.C., though government has tried unsuccessfully to get projects going in Comox, Hat Creek, and Fernie. In each of these cases, the community said it did not want coalbed methane development.

Like in these other communities, Bulkley Valley residents are opposed to coalbed methane development proceeding. More than 1,400 people have signed a survey stating their opposition. 375 packed a smithers theatre for a public forum (the venue holds 305) and a rally held in Smithers drew a crowd of over 400. A recent opinion poll by Synovate Research showed 70 percent of residents are opposed. (visit [url]www.concernedaboutcbm.org[url] to learn more about the growing campaign against CBM in the Bulkley).

In short, folks are not happy with this proposal.

Why? First, B.C.'s regulations for coalbed methane development are sorely lacking. Instead of strong, clearly defined regulations, we have a vaguely articulated Code of Practice, which is enforced by the industry-funded Oil and Gas Commission -- tantamount to the fox guarding the henhouse.

Second, coalbed methane promises negligable economic community benefits, while at the same time placing at risk some of the Valley's most important economic drivers: fishing, tourism and agriculture.

Finally, people are opposed because of the disrespect the B.C. government has shown in our community. There was no consultation with the Wet'suwet'en people prior to posting the tenure. When Energy Minister Richard Neufeld was in town back in June, he said the project was going ahead regardless of community sentiment and that there would be no extensions. Throughout the process, ministry officials have stated that the community does not have the right to say "no" to this project, despite the fact that they will bear the long-term consequences of botched development.

All this has made MLA Dennis MacKay's head spin. At first, he asserted that his government would not be hampered by public opinion. Then, as it became clear how broadly opposition was held, he switched to saying he hadn't made up his mind yet. Then, he said that despite the opposition, he can't do anything because, as a private member, "he's not part of the government." Now he's again saying he supports coalbed methane, but wants an extension granted so he can have his Victoria bureaucrats show more powerpoint presentations to his constituents.

(As an aside, Dennis is also in the news this week for his attempt to vote illegally at the UBCM convention. You have to read it to believe it, and the article should appear on www.interior-news.com in the next few days)

In the last provincial election, the B.C. Liberals lost two of their three northwest seats on another issue that threatens the local economy -- fish farms. Now, with an angry electorate and a bumbling MLA, they're set to do it again with coalbed methane. In fact, the poll conducted by Synovate found that 66 percent of residents say the issue will affect whom they vote for in the next election.

We're told the tenure for the Telkwa project will likely be put before Cabinet sometime in the next two months. If the Liberals know what's good for them -- and for the Bulkley Valley -- it won't make it that far.

sorry, here's the link to the campaign site again:
www.concernedaboutcbm.org