Biden Administration Grants Permit for Oil Pipeline Expansion at US-Canada Border

President Biden granted a presidential permit on April 30, 2026, authorizing Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC to construct, connect, operate, and maintain pipeline facilities at the international boundary in Phillips County, Montana, between the United States and Canada.

The permit affects Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC, a privately held limited liability company, by enabling it to develop cross-border infrastructure for oil transport. This expansion aims to increase capacity in the northern US energy corridor, which currently transports millions of barrels of crude oil daily from Canada to US refineries, amid ongoing debates over fossil fuel infrastructure.

Phillips County, Montana, has a population of about 4,000 residents, and local communities there will see construction activity from the project. Executive Order 13337 delegates decisions on presidential permits for border-crossing facilities to the president.

The new permit establishes legal authority for Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC to proceed with construction and operations, effective immediately upon issuance on April 30, 2026. The permit is subject to conditions outlined in the document issued on April 30, 2026.

It triggers environmental reviews and consultations with federal agencies, including the Department of State and the Bureau of Land Management.

These federal agencies must assess compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act. The permit activates potential oversight from Canadian regulators for the cross-border connection. It requires coordination between US and Canadian governments.

This decision contrasts with the Biden administration's 2021 revocation of the Keystone XL permit due to environmental concerns, reflecting varied approaches to cross-border energy projects. Congress has considered related legislation, such as the Energy Infrastructure Act of 2025, which aimed to streamline permitting for interstate pipelines but stalled in committee.