Company Stops Keystone XL Pipeline

TC Energy Corporation in Alberta, Canada, confirmed that it is shutting down further construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. The news release from the company said it would "ensure a safe termination of and exit from the Project." The company stated it had suspended construction after its permit was suspended by President Biden in January. Since then, the company has failed to get the administration to reverse its decision. It would've transported crude oil from the oil sand fields in Canada to Steele City, Nebraska, passing through Montana on the way.

Both Montana U.S. Senators expressed disappointment with the termination decision. Senator Jon Tester said, " I am bitterly disappointed to learn that construction of the Keystone XL pipeline will no long be moving forward. I supported this project for years because of the good-paying jobs and tax revenue it would have created for folks who live and work in Montana."

Senator Steve Daines said, "This is devastating news for our economy, jobs, environment and national security - and it's entirely President Biden's fault...While President Biden killed the American Keystone XL pipline, he continues to support the Russian Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Biden would rather support Russian workers and jobs than Americans. Montanans and the American people are disappointed."

Jared Margolis, an attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity, had an opposing view. "This is a landmark moment in the fight against the climate crisis. We need to keep moving away from dirty, dangerous pipelines that lock us into an unsustainable future...Good riddance to Keystone XL." Since 2015, both Montana Senators have sponsored legislation that would've continued construction of the pipeline. Daines said the project was the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport oil.