President Trump is Expected to Sign Executive Actions to Boost Fossil Fuel Production
President Donald Trump is expected to sign executive actions aimed at facilitating the construction of new oil pipelines, including a proposal to permit the construction of the long-defunct Keystone XL pipeline. According to sources involved in the discussions, the plan includes rerouting the pipeline through North Dakota instead of Montana.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who met with Trump last week, confirmed that the proposal is being discussed between the two countries. Smith expressed the desire to double Canada’s energy production and send it to the United States. Canada currently exports over half of its crude oil to the US, which refiners love due to its heavy and gunky consistency.
However, multiple energy lobbyists expressed skepticism that TransCanada Energy, the pipeline’s operator, would be interested in restarting the project after terminating it when the Biden administration revoked its approvals. North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer, a Republican, also expressed doubts, stating that TransCanada has put the project “to bed” and that talking about it would send mixed messages to markets.
The US produces mainly shale oil, which is not suitable for refining by American refineries, and is often shipped overseas. Canada’s thicker, more acidic oil is more difficult to clean up from waterways in the event of pipeline leaks, making environmental advocates fiercely opposed to the Keystone XL pipeline.
Despite this, Trump is expected to sign executive actions aimed at promoting fossil fuel production. The decision to reauthorize the permit for the expanded pipeline’s operation and reviving its construction would be a largely symbolic move, given the Biden administration’s cancellation of the project.