In some exciting news, Alberta’s Premier, Danielle Smith, has expressed interest in reopening the Keystone XL pipeline—a move that could make a real difference in energy security and affordability. With the support of former President Donald Trump, this pipeline, designed to carry oil from Canada to the U.S., could be on its way to a fresh start.
Smith, who represents Alberta, said on Tuesday that she is eager to have discussions with Trump about possibly bringing the Keystone XL pipeline back to life. This project, originally planned to run through states like Illinois, Texas, and Oklahoma, has been a source of political drama for over a decade. Construction began in 2010 but faced major setbacks when former President Barack Obama halted it. Then, Trump gave it a go during his first term, only for President Joe Biden to block it once again in 2021.
But now, with the possibility of a Trump second term, things might be looking up. Smith is ready to sit down with the Trump administration to explore new pipeline routes or even consider a “Keystone 2.0,” as she put it. She’s hopeful these talks can begin as soon as Biden’s Interior Secretary is confirmed.
Trump’s support could be key in reopening the pipeline. Recently, he took action to undo Biden’s executive order that had canceled the pipeline’s permits. This could pave the way for construction to resume, bringing not just more oil, but also potential economic benefits to both countries.
Experts agree that restarting the Keystone XL pipeline could strengthen North American energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on expensive imports. Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, pointed out that the project could help lower food and energy costs, stabilize fuel prices, and even boost agricultural production. More oil means cheaper fertilizers for farming, which could lower food prices—a win for everyone.
That being said, challenges are expected. If Trump pushes forward with the pipeline, there will likely be lawsuits to face. But legal experts like Steve Milloy say Congress could help minimize the obstacles by ensuring the pipeline gets built and investors remain confident.
In fact, a report from the Department of Energy in 2022 suggested that the project would have created thousands of jobs and boosted the economy by billions. It’s clear that the Keystone XL pipeline could bring both energy stability and economic growth, while offering hope for affordable energy and food for Americans in the long run.
So, will the Keystone pipeline make its big return? Only time will tell, but it’s definitely a conversation worth having!
