The spatial politics of energy conflicts: How competing constructions of scale shape pipeline and shale gas struggles in Canada

摘要: Abstract Conflict characterizes energy projects across Canada and around the world. While claims about economics, environment Indigenous rights dominate headlines, conflicts also feature struggles over construction of space scale. Building on work in geographies, this paper compares spatial politics three contested fossil fuel projects, focusing how antagonistic parties frame issues to advance their positions, turn shaping perceptions Drawing reports, media coverage, other secondary sources, we examine: Trans Mountain pipeline Western Canada; Coastal GasLink Wet’suwet’en territory, British Columbia; shale gas drilling New Brunswick. The analysis reveals actors construct scale persuade, build alliances, exclude people or from consideration. Project proponents generally ‘scale up’ benefits down’ impacts, while opponents do opposite – even as both strategically engage with governance at multiple scales. We argue that taking seriously can reveal power dynamics competing representations space, improve transparency project evaluations by unveiling tacit proponent strategies, biases impact assessment legal processes when mandates favour strategies proponents.