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Trump Grants Go-ahead To Bridger Pipeline Expansion (Canada-US oil pipeline) crossing the border
President Donald Trump approved the Bridger Pipeline Expansion to cross the Canada-US border, a project nicknamed 'Keystone Light' for its similarities to Keystone XL. The 650-mile pipeline would carry up to 550,000 barrels per day from Saskatchewan through Montana and Wyoming, with most of the route along existing corridors and private land, but it must still obtain additional environmental approvals before construction can begin.
Why It Matters
The decision revives a major cross-border oil project that echoes Keystone XL politics, with potential environmental and energy supply implications for the US and Canada.
Timeline
8 Events
Trump's term ends
January 20, 2029
Trump's presidential term is stated to end on January 20, 2029.
Construction timetable announced (start fall 2027; finish by late 2028/early 2029)
May 1, 2026
Bridger Pipeline officials said construction could begin in fall 2027 and finish by late 2028 or early 2029, contingent on obtaining all environmental and regulatory approvals.
Bridger Pipeline Expansion approval to cross border (May 1, 2026)
May 1, 2026
Trump signed the approval for Bridger Pipeline Expansion to cross the border between Saskatchewan and northeastern Montana, allowing the line to carry up to 550,000 barrels per day of crude and other petroleum products. The project would be built largely within existing corridors and on private land, and it would not cross Native American reservations.
Wyoming diesel spill
2022
In 2022, a 45,000-gallon diesel spill occurred in Wyoming.
Keystone XL permit canceled by Biden
January 20, 2021
President Joe Biden canceled the Keystone XL permit on the day he took office, January 20, 2021, reversing the prior administration's decision.
Keystone XL approved by Trump
2020
President Donald Trump approved the Keystone XL pipeline project in 2020, despite concerns from Native American tribes and environmental groups.
2016 North Dakota crude spill
2016
In 2016, a spill released more than 600,000 gallons (2.7 million liters) of crude in North Dakota, contaminating the Little Missouri River and a tributary.
2015 Yellowstone River crude spill
2015
In 2015, more than 50,000 gallons (240,000 liters) of crude spilled into the Yellowstone River, fouling a Montana city's drinking water supply. Subsidiaries later agreed to pay a $12.5 million civil penalty to settle a federal lawsuit over the North Dakota and Montana spills.