Evaluating Decision-Making Practices of the National Energy Board in the Environmental Assessment Joint Review Process: A Case Study of the Northern Gateway Pipeline Project

The objective of this research was to evaluate the decision-making process employed to review major pipeline projects. An evaluative framework for evaluating the decision-making process was developed, and applied to the National Energy Board’s Joint Review Panel’s final report on the Northern Gateway Project. Results suggest the process failed to ensure all project effects and evidence were considered, and all conflicts in evidence were resolved by decision-makers. Recommendations to improve the review process include more explicit decision-making criteria, new and improved guidance material, and additional training for decision-makers in administering good decision-making practices.