By David Ljunggren
| OTTAWA
Canada’s energy regulator said on Friday that a panel assessing TransCanada Corp’s proposed Energy East pipeline was quitting, a decision that will drag out an already-lengthy appraisal process.Critics had demanded two of three panel members quit after it emerged they had privately discussed the project last year with former Quebec Premier Jean Charest, who was working for TransCanada as a consultant at the time.The regulator, the National Energy Board (NEB), said in a statement that the panel was stepping down “to preserve the integrity” of the board and the Energy East review.Although the panel members had talked to Charest and others in good faith, “they understand that their participation in these meetings may have created an apprehension of bias,” which could undermine the board’s credibility, the statement said.The announcement represents another challenge for the project, which is designed to carry 1.1 million barrels …
Go to Source