President Donald Trump signed an order on April 28, 2026 [6], authorizing the construction of the Bridger pipeline to transport Canadian crude oil.

The project represents a significant shift in North American energy infrastructure by reopening a high-capacity export route for Canadian oil into the U.S. market. This move aims to boost Canadian exports and provide economic benefits to Canada's energy sector.

The Bridger pipeline, also referred to as the Bridger pipeline expansion, will stretch roughly 647 miles [4]. It is designed to run from the Canada-U.S. border in Montana, crossing through Montana, and terminating in Wyoming [4]. The proposed infrastructure features a 36-inch diameter line [5].

Estimates of the pipeline's daily capacity vary across reports. Some data indicates the line would move about 550,000 barrels of crude oil daily [2]. Other reports state the capacity would be more than 500,000 barrels per day [3], while some projections suggest a potential export capacity of up to 1,000,000 barrels per day [1].

This project revives portions of the route previously intended for the abandoned Keystone XL pipeline. By establishing this new corridor, the U.S. and Canada seek to stabilize the flow of crude oil across the border, an effort to reduce reliance on existing limited infrastructure.

The authorization comes as part of a broader effort to increase the volume of Canadian oil entering the U.S. refining system. The pipeline's path through Montana and Wyoming provides a direct link to key energy hubs in the American Midwest and West.

“The Bridger pipeline will stretch roughly 647 miles.”

The authorization of the Bridger pipeline signals a strategic alignment between the U.S. and Canada to prioritize energy security and export volume over the environmental and political hurdles that halted the Keystone XL project. By utilizing a high-capacity 36-inch line, the project could significantly reduce the 'price discount' Canadian producers often face due to pipeline bottlenecks, while providing U.S. refineries with a more consistent supply of heavy crude.