Industry
Bridger Pipeline Eyes Wyoming Route for Massive Crude Oil Expansion
Bridger Pipeline, a subsidiary of Casper-based True Companies, has filed plans for a major crude oil pipeline through five eastern Wyoming counties in what industry observers say is a move to fill the gap left by the cancelled Keystone XL project.
The company submitted a notice of intent to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in January, with plans to formally initiate permitting for the Wyoming segment. The proposed route would pass through Crook, Weston, Niobrara, Goshen, and Platte counties, connecting Powder River Basin production to refineries and export terminals further south.
True Companies, one of Wyoming's largest privately held corporations, has operated Bridger Pipeline for decades as a key piece of the state's oil transportation infrastructure. The proposed expansion would significantly increase the company's capacity to move crude from the basin.
"This is about ensuring Wyoming producers have reliable, cost-effective access to markets," said True Companies vice president of operations Craig Holman. "The infrastructure gap left by Keystone XL created a real bottleneck, and we intend to address it."
Industry trade groups have characterized the expansion as part of a competitive scramble among pipeline operators to capture market share in the wake of TC Energy's decision to abandon Keystone XL. Several other companies have proposed expansions in the region.
The project is expected to generate significant construction employment in the affected counties, where economic activity has been closely tied to the energy sector. Local officials have expressed cautious optimism.
"Any investment in our infrastructure is welcome," said Goshen County Commissioner Rita Alvarez. "But we want to make sure it's done responsibly and that our landowners are treated fairly."
Environmental groups have signaled they will scrutinize the permitting process closely, particularly regarding impacts to waterways and rangeland in the pipeline's path.
A timeline for construction has not been announced. The permitting process is expected to take 12 to 18 months.
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