Larry Neufeld does not mince words when describing his home. A professional environmental engineer with 30 years of industry experience, the MLA for Peace River South sees his region as the province’s breadbasket. He represents a community where natural resources are second to none. Neufeld argues that these resources are the primary reason British Columbians enjoy their current quality of life.
Powering the Lower Mainland
Many British Columbians may not realize where their energy starts. Neufeld points out that his riding provides the natural gas used to heat homes across the province. It also provides the hydrocarbons that fuel vehicles.
Even the electricity in the Lower Mainland often begins in the northeast. The Site C dam sits within his riding. Its powerhouse on the south side of the Peace River generates much of the provincial grid’s power.
“We provide the electric current that a lot of the Lower Mainland uses,” Neufeld says.
World class wilds
Life in Peace River South offers more than just industrial output. Neufeld describes the local lifestyle for families as phenomenal. The area is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers hiking, mountain biking, and river boating.
He is particularly proud of the local winter sports. He claims the region has world-class champagne powder skiing.
“There’s only one other place on the planet that it exists of a similar quality, and that’s in Japan,” Neufeld notes. Whether it is snowmobiling or skiing, the quality is top-tier.
A standard of excellence
Environmental concerns often dominate the conversation around resource extraction. Neufeld approaches this topic with a background in graduate studies and as a former owner of an engineering firm. He believes many activists spread misconceptions about water use and air pollution.
He insists the region maintains incredibly high benchmarks.
“We operate in the northeast at an environmental standard that is a magnitude higher than anywhere else that I’ve seen on the planet,” he says. His international experience informs this perspective.
Funding the future
Neufeld is a realist regarding the global energy transition. He believes moving to a zero-carbon economy will take much longer than people want to believe. Natural gas remains an essential product for the province and the world.
He sees trillions of dollars in economic opportunity in the northeast. This wealth does more than create jobs.
“Those trillions of dollars are what pays for health care,” Neufeld explains. It also funds education and the infrastructure that keeps British Columbia running.
Ian Biana writes for the Resource Works Accelerate team and can be reached at [email protected].
Resource Works News
Watch the video of Larry Neufeld here:
