Trump plans to revive Keystone XL pipeline despite project shutdown

Donald Trump aims to resurrect the Keystone XL pipeline project on his first day as president, even though the initiative was abandoned years ago and no company is currently pursuing it.

Ben Lefebvre reports for POLITICO.

In short:

• Trump’s renewed push for the Keystone XL pipeline aligns with his pro-oil agenda and opposition to Joe Biden’s energy policies.
• The pipeline’s developer, TC Energy, ceased the project in 2021, removed the installed sections and spun off its oil pipeline business, making revival a logistical and financial challenge.
• Energy market shifts, such as increased U.S. oil production and Canada’s expanded export infrastructure, reduce the economic incentive for the pipeline.

Key quote:

“When the federal permit got revoked, we just didn’t celebrate — we went all the way through the court system to make sure the easements were returned to landowners.”

— Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party

Why this matters:

Reviving the Keystone XL pipeline could inflame environmental, legal and landowner disputes while clashing with current energy market dynamics. It signals a broader effort to undo climate-driven energy policies, raising concerns about environmental and economic impacts.

Related: Climate policies can cost governments billions