EDMONTON —The Alberta government says it’s investing $3.7 billion to move the province’s land−locked oil to market by rail.
It says 4,400 leased railway cars will move up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day by 2020.
Shipments are expected to begin as early as July.
“Pipelines will always be the best, most efficient, most economical long−term solution,” Premier Rachel Notley told a news conference Tuesday.
“We must take action today to provide more relief to our energy workers and the families who rely on these good jobs across this province and this country.
Premier Rachel Notley announces a deal to lease 4,400 hundred rail cars to move Alberta Oil to other markets. 120,000 barrels per day by mid 2020 #ableg #abpoli pic.twitter.com/hMjjNklxNi
— CityNews Edmonton (@CityNewsYEG) February 19, 2019
She says her government has been studying the plan since November and is ready to move forward.
“Albertans don’t just stand by. We take action.”
The Alberta government will lease 4,400 rail cars to move oil out of the province, Premier Rachel Notley announced this afternoon as part of the crude-by-rail strategy. #yyc #abpoli #ableg #oil #energy https://t.co/HNwSGgD0p5 pic.twitter.com/ozQbHY31uu
— Calgary Sun (@calgarysun) February 19, 2019
The province estimates the plan will lead to a $5.9−billion increase in royalties, tax revenues and profits over three years, meaning a net gain of $2.2 billion.
It expects the discount for Western Canadian heavy oil versus U.S. light crude will shrink by US$4 a barrel.
The rail investment is meant to be a medium−term measure as new pipelines to coastal ports, such as the Trans Mountain expansion to the West Coast, remain in limbo.
