US okays pipeline for Canadian oil

Trump clears it due to similarities to disputed Keystone XL project blocked by Joe Biden govt

AP FORT COLLINS 

President Donald Trump granted a key approval on Thursday for a major new oil pipeline from Canada into the US, a project dubbed “Key­sto­ne Light” due to its similarities to the contentious Keystone XL project blocked by the Joe Biden administration. The three-foot-wide Bridger Pipe­line Expansion is designed to carry up to 5,50,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada through Montana and Wyoming, whe­re it will link with existing networks.

The pipeline would move two-thirds as much oil as the Keystone XL line, which Biden cancelled on his first day in office in 2021 citing climate change concerns. “Slightly different from the last administration. They wouldn’t sign a pipeline deal. And we have pipelines going up,” Trump said after signing the permit for the crossing between Saskatchewan and Montana.

While the new proposal involves a different route through the US, it would utilise 150 km of pipe already installed in Alberta. If the project proceeds, it could increase Canada’s crude expo­rts to the US by over 12%. South Bow spokesperson Solomiya Martoiu said the company continues to evaluate the Prairie Connector project to leverage existing infrastructure and permitted corridors, to improve market access for Canadian crude.

pvt retirement options expanded

President Trump signed an executive order calling for a new government website where people in the US can find and compare private-sector retirement savings accounts. The initiative aims to help millions of workers whose employers do not offer such plans. The order is intended to help more people gain access to retirement plans before next year, when the federal government will start matching retirement contributions made by lower-income workers.That new matching contribution, known as the Saver’s Match, comes from 2022 legislation passed under President Biden. Starting in January, it will offer a match of up to $1,000 for workers who make less than $35,000 a year.