The federal government has approved four long-term export licences for companies eyeing liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities along the B.C. coast.
Ottawa handed out the licences March 26 after the National Energy Board approved the applications in December 2013.
While the operation of these facilities fall under provincial regulations, it's Ottawa that regulates the export of LNG.
"World energy demand is on the rise, and Canada has the unprecedented energy supply to meet that demand," Natural Resources Minister Greg Rickford said in a statement.
"The approval of these licences is a major step forward in opening the door for Canada's natural gas industry to access world markets. Opening new markets for our energy products supports our government's top priority: creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians."
Licences were approved for Pacific NorthWest LNG and Prince Rupert LNG, both of which have proposed sites near Prince Rupert.
Two more licences were also handed out to Woodfibre LNG for a facility in Squamish, and WCC LNG, which is considering sites in either Prince Rupert or Kitimat.
Asia is one of B.C.'s main targets for LNG exports. Tankers leaving the province's coast can arrive in Asia in 11 days, which is about a month faster than those leaving from the Gulf of Mexico.
