The Nova Scotia government states that resource development could make the state more independent, particularly in the face of US tariff threats, and laws to enable uranium investigations and production of potential natural gas has been introduced.
“We can create jobs, make our economy more resilient to future Trump threats and take part in the global battle against climate change.”
On February 3, US President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension of threatening to reduce 10% collection on Canadian oil and impose a 25% tariff on Canada. The decision follows a commitment from the Canadian government, and will strengthen border security to curb the flow of fentanyl to the United States.
However, the president has since announced tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, which are expected to come into effect next month, and by April, his administration will consider trade deals with other countries. It indicates that more tariffs could come.
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Lohr said the state needs to boost the economy by removing obstacles to investment and economic growth in the form of a “complete ban.”
Such a ban, he said, is “a lazy policy” that makes it impossible to have “important but difficult conversations” about uranium and natural gas. “This means lifting the ban and avoiding a complete ban in the future.”
Other changes to the new bill relate to the agricultural industry and state utility laws.
The state said the only way to abolish the ban on uranium exploration is for government research to “better understand the opportunities for developing this resource,” and all industry activities related to uranium will remain banned.
Regarding the potential for natural gas production, the state says hydraulic fracturing activities will be “subject to strict regulations to minimize environmental threats,” and states will have a conversation about “how to do it safely.” He added that fracking only occurs later.
