Some forces are undeniable, like gravity — or U.S. President Donald Trump backing more oil infrastructure.

On Thursday, the inevitable pull and push of Canadian crude into the orbit of the United States appeared to prove that point, as the American president signed off on a permit that could lead to a proposed cross-border pipeline.

Pitched by Bridger Pipeline LLC, the development would take oil from Western Canada at the border — moved through pipe built in Canada for the ill-fated Keystone XL system — and ship it to Guernsey, Wyo.

If Bridger makes a positive final investment decision, it’s anticipated the line would initially ship about 550,000 barrels per day (bpd). Oil would reportedly be transported to the U.S. border through South Bow Corp.’s pre-invested KXL infrastructure in Canada, if the Calgary-based company moves forward with its Prairie Connector project.

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If the broader export project proceeds, the pipeline could arrive at a key moment for Canada’s energy sector as production increases.

Existing oil pipelines are expected to be running full later this decade, depending on the timing of planned optimization efforts of the Trans Mountain network and Enbridge’s Mainline system.

By 2030, Canadian oil production is expected to grow by about 500,000 bpd above last year’s levels, topping 5.8........

© Calgary Herald