A proposed oil pipeline from Alberta to the British Columbia coast appears to be producing sharply different political results for the premiers of the two provinces, according to new polling from the Angus Reid Institute.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s approval rating increased seven percentage points to 46 per cent following the pipeline announcement, while B.C. Premier David Eby’s approval fell four points to 27 per cent.

The non-profit polling organization described the announcement as opening “a new front in Canadian energy politics,” with the project promising greater access to overseas markets while renewing debate over economic benefits, environmental risks and provincial interests.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Smith announced plans in early July to advance a proposed pipeline capable of carrying one million barrels of oil per day from Alberta to the B.C. coast.

Eby signed a broader economic agreement with the federal government that maintains the oil tanker ban on B.C.’s northern coast but leaves open the possibility of a pipeline reaching the province’s southern coastline.

The B.C. premier has said his government has not endorsed the pipeline proposal, although he has acknowledged the province does not have the constitutional authority to block a federally approved project.

The Angus Reid Institute said Smith’s approval has returned to the level she maintained for much of her term after falling below 40 per cent in June.

Her approval increased among supporters of both major Alberta parties. Positive assessments rose seven points among past United Conservative Party voters and six points among past Alberta NDP voters.

However, a majority of Albertans continue to disapprove of Smith’s overall performance. The survey also found 38 per cent of those who support the pipeline disapprove of the premier.

The Angus Reid Institute said the pipeline announcement appears to have benefited Smith politically, although debate surrounding an expected October referendum on Alberta separatism could complicate her recovery.

Eby has experienced a different political response in British Columbia.

His approval rating has dropped 13 percentage points since December, while 54 per cent of British Columbians now disapprove of his performance.

The percentage of residents unable to offer an opinion on Eby more than doubled from eight per cent in June to 19 per cent in July.

Among British Columbians who support the pipeline, 66 per cent disapprove of Eby’s performance, suggesting he is receiving little political credit from those who favour the project.

Opponents of the pipeline were more divided, with 41 per cent approving of Eby and 37 per cent disapproving.

Eby has also lost significant support among voters who backed the B.C. NDP in the last provincial election. His approval among those voters fell from 78 per cent in June to 53 per cent in July.

The Angus Reid Institute said the decline may indicate that some former supporters are reconsidering Eby’s performance as he attempts to balance resource development, environmental concerns and B.C.’s interests in negotiations with Alberta and Ottawa.

The Alberta survey was conducted online from July 10 to 14 among 619 adults. The B.C. survey was conducted from July 17 to 19 among 607 adults.

The results were weighted to reflect census data. For comparison purposes, probability samples of that size would have a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points, 19 times out of 20.