Most Believe Kinder Morgan Pipeline will have a Positive Economic Effect, But a Negative Environmental One

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Most Believe Kinder Morgan Pipeline will have a Positive Economic Effect, But a Negative Environmental One

Toronto, March 3rd – In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1,061 British Columbia voters, the plurality believes the pipeline expansion will have a positive economic effect (43%), with (25%) saying it will have a negative effect, and (21%) believing its effect will be neutral. A further (12%) did not have an opinion.

When it comes to the potential environmental impact of the pipeline expansion, the half believe it will have a negative impact on the environment of the province (50%). Only (12%) say its effect will benefit the environment and (27%) believe its effect will be neutral. (11%) reported they didn’t know what the environmental effects would be.

It's the economy

The opinion that the pipeline expansion will benefit the economy is most likely held by those aged 65 and over (54%), males (50%), the most wealthy (54%), and Liberal (66%) supporters.

The opinion that the pipeline expansion will detract from the economy is most likely held by those aged 34 or less (29%), the least wealthy (36%), those earning between $40,000-$60,000 (39%), and Green Party (41%) supporters.

Environmental damage expected

Respondents likely to believe that the pipeline expansion will have a negative effect on the environment include those aged 35-44 (60%), females (57%), the least wealthy (59%), those earning $40,000-$60,000 (61%), and Green Party (72%) supporters.

Those who believe the pipeline expansion will have a positive effect on the environment are male (14%), and Liberal (21%) or Conservative (19%) supporters.

“It’s not a surprise that most believe the Kinder Morgan Pipeline expansion will have a positive economic effect but a negative environmental one. Balancing enhancing the economy versus the protecting the environment on projects of this scope is so often the most challenging part,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.