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Critics of a proposed $6.2-billion hydro plant in Labrador say the battle over natural gas pipeline tolls in Canada shows how inflexible megaprojects can hamstring consumers as technology evolves. They say the plan to bring Muskrat Falls power from Labrador to Newfoundland and then mainland markets locks the province into a 50-year deal that backloads risks for future residents and businesses who will be tied to the pricey venture. Muskrat Falls is shown in this recent file photo. The Canadian Press Images /Paul Daly

Critics of a proposed $6.2-billion hydro plant in Labrador say the battle over natural gas pipeline tolls in Canada shows how inflexible megaprojects can hamstring consumers as technology evolves. They say the plan to bring Muskrat Falls power from Labrador to Newfoundland and then mainland markets locks the province into a 50-year deal that backloads risks for future residents and businesses who will be tied to the pricey venture. Muskrat Falls is shown in this recent file photo. The Canadian Press Images /Paul Daly

Muskrat Falls opponents in Federal Court

The Canadian Press

Lawyers for opponents of the Muskrat Falls hydro project are in Federal Court in Ottawa arguing that the
proposed development in Labrador never got a full environmental assessment.
   
Groups including Sierra Club Canada and Grand Riverkeeper Labrador say a joint federal-provincial panel did not complete a full review.
   
Lawyer Lara Tessaro says the panel failed to completely assess the need for the project and alternatives.
   
She says the federal government should not be allowed to issue permits or a promised loan guarantee for Muskrat Falls until a fuller review is done.
   
Federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver has said the project is economically viable and that the terms of a loan guarantee are being worked out.
   
The provincial government is waiting on that support before it officially approves the development that’s expected to cost at least $7.4 billion.

The overall megaproject will include a subsea cable to bring power to Nova Scotia.

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