Opinion ID: 311492
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Alternative of Deferral

Text: 335 The main objection raised concerning the Impact Statement's treatment of the alternative of temporarily deferring approval of the TAPS permit is that this treatment does not systematically quantify and describe environmental studies that are presently planned or in progress, or that should be undertaken, that would be helpful to fill in the gaps of the present knowledge. Despite this objection, however, it is clear that the Impact Statement does refer to a number of studies which are presently taking place which would provide relevant information for the construction and operation of the pipeline. 58 Further, the Impact Statement on numerous occasions points out where knowledge on a certain issue is incomplete and refers to research, if any, which is under way. 59 In my opinion this treatment was sufficient to permit an informed decision on the environmental benefits of the alternative of deferral. 336 All these factors make it unnecessary, in my opinion, for the current Environmental Impact Statement to discuss further an oil pipeline through Canada; and with respect to the discussion of the Canadian alternatives and all other issues, I find the Environmental Impact Statement to be sufficient under the statute. 337 I respectfully dissent to the extent indicated above. 338