Trump Wants to Build a New Pipeline Even Bigger Than Keystone XL

A new infrastructure project known as the Bridger Pipeline expansion is moving forward. Often discussed as Keystone Light, this project aims to transport tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, to Cushing, Oklahoma. The planned capacity reaches 1.13 million barrels of oil per day, exceeding the scale of the previous Keystone XL proposal.

The project involves multiple phases managed by Bridger Pipeline and South Bow. Current plans include segments stretching from the Canadian border through Montana and Wyoming before reaching the refinery hub in Oklahoma. While proponents emphasize energy infrastructure, the proposal faces significant scrutiny regarding the environmental risks associated with transporting heavy tar sands crude.

Indigenous communities are raising objections, noting that the proposed routes intersect with unceded hunting territories and treaty-protected lands. Tribal nations point to the risk of spills into the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, noting that tar sands oil is notoriously difficult to contain and clean up. Previous projects involving the parent company have seen significant spills, heightening concerns among local groups and water protectors.

The Trump administration issued a cross-border permit in April without a full environmental impact study or formal consultation with affected tribes. Regulatory agencies in Montana have also faced criticism for potentially bypassing public notice requirements, including the granting of an undisclosed waiver to the developer. Public participation remains limited, and officials have frequently denied opportunities for formal oral comments during recent town hall events.

Groups such as the Montana Environmental Information Center and Honor the Earth are preparing to challenge the project in court. They argue that the process lacks transparency and ignores the long-term impact on water supplies and biodiversity. As litigation and public pressure mount, the effort to stop the construction of this pipeline echoes the multi-year opposition that previously halted Keystone XL. The future of the project rests on upcoming permit reviews and potential legal action.