President Trump has approved a cross-border permit for the Bridger Pipeline Expansion, a major oil project that would carry Canadian crude into the United States. The Associated Press reported that the 650-mile project would run from the Canadian border through Montana and Wyoming and has been compared to a smaller version of Keystone XL.

The Bridger Pipeline needs full environmental review.

As Reuters reports, the project could increase Canadian crude exports to the United States and would require further regulatory approvals and stakeholder engagement.

The White House presidential permit authorizes Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC to construct, connect, operate, and maintain pipeline border facilities in Phillips County, Montana.

A rushed pipeline permit puts communities at risk.

Review Should Come Before Approval

The full environmental review is not complete. The Federal Register notice says Bridger is seeking a 30-year renewable right-of-way for a 36-inch oil pipeline and associated infrastructure, plus temporary construction permits.

Earthjustice warns that the cross-border permit was issued before completing environmental review and consulting Tribes. The group is demanding an additional opportunity for public comment.

NRDC calls the proposal “Keystone Light,” saying it would move large volumes of tar sands oil along part of the canceled Keystone XL route.

Pipeline spills can cause lasting harm.

Water And Communities Deserve Protection

Pipeline projects can affect rivers, groundwater, wetlands, wildlife habitat, private land, cultural resources, and climate pollution. AP reported that environmentalists oppose the Bridger project in part because of past spills involving Bridger Pipeline and its parent company, including a 2015 Yellowstone River spill.

Federal and state officials should not treat public review as a box to check after major approvals have already been granted. They should suspend the permit, reopen public comment, complete a full environmental impact statement, and consult affected Tribes before the project advances.

Communities should know the risks before oil infrastructure is approved, not after construction begins.

Sign the petition to urge federal officials to halt the Bridger tar sands pipeline until full environmental review, public comment, and Tribal consultation are complete.