Trump Approves Bridger Pipeline Expansion, Reviving Canada-US Oil Corridor

Key Details President Donald Trump granted cross-border approval on April 30 for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a 650-mile project designed to transport up to 550,000 barrels of oil daily from Canada through Montana and Wyoming. The 3-foot-wide pipeline would link with existing infrastructure and requires additional state and federal environmental clearances before construction begins in 2027. Why It Matters The project, nicknamed "Keystone Light" for its similarities to the Biden-canceled Keystone XL, represents a major shift in energy infrastructure policy. At peak capacity, Bridger would move approximately two-thirds the volume of the original Keystone XL, which was halted in 2021. Truckers and logistics operators should note the timeline: completion is expected by late 2028 or early 2029, coinciding with Trump's term end. Project Advantages Bridger Pipeline bypasses some previous concerns by avoiding Native American reservations entirely. Over 70 percent would use existing pipeline corridors, and 80 percent crosses private land. The permit also authorizes transport of gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquified petroleum gas, though crude oil remains the primary focus. Next Steps Environmental groups continue opposing the project over spill risks. The company must secure final approvals before construction, with hopes of completing the project before a potential future administration reversal.