Big Oil Pipeline Push: Montana's Environmental Showdown Begins
Published Date: 4/1/2026
Notice
Summary
The Bureau of Land Management is starting to study the effects of building a bigger, buried oil pipeline in Montana. This project could impact local communities, land, and the environment, and the public has until May 1, 2026, to share their thoughts. The goal is to carefully plan the pipeline expansion while considering everyone's input before moving forward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
30-year right-of-way may cross your land
Bridger is seeking a 30-year renewable right-of-way (ROW) grant for a 36-inch buried crude oil pipeline and associated infrastructure, plus 3-year temporary use permits for construction. The Project would span about 646.8 miles total, including about 63.8 miles crossing Federal land (58.6 miles on BLM-managed lands and 5.2 miles on USFS-managed lands), and would traverse private, State, and Federal lands in named Montana and Wyoming counties.
Tribal consultation and cultural reviews
The BLM will consult with Indian Tribal Nations on a government-to-government basis and will consider Tribal concerns, including impacts on Indian trust assets and cultural resources, as part of the NEPA and related reviews. The EIS will evaluate areas of significance identified by Native American Tribes and communities.
You can comment by May 1, 2026
The public can submit comments on the Bridger Pipeline Expansion EIS by May 1, 2026; the BLM will hold four in-person scoping meetings (Glasgow and Miles City, Montana; Newcastle, Wyoming) and one virtual meeting. The Draft EIS is expected in August 2026 and the Final EIS in Spring 2027, with a Record of Decision to follow.
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