Proposed Liberty Bridge pipeline draws support and criticism in Cushing
The proposed Liberty Bridge pipeline, which would transport tar sands crude oil from Canada to Cushing, Oklahoma, is sparking debate over its economic benefits and environmental risks
CUSHING, Okla. —
A proposed pipeline that would transport tar sands crude oil from Alberta, Canada, to Cushing, Oklahoma, is drawing both support for its economic potential and criticism over environmental concerns.
The Liberty Bridge pipeline, a joint project between Bridger Pipeline and South Bow Project, would be built in three phases and could carry over 1 million barrels of oil per day if completed. This capacity would exceed that of the Keystone XL pipeline, which was canceled in 2021. A Bridger Pipeline spokesperson said Cushing was chosen as the endpoint because of its options for distributing oil nationwide.
For many in Cushing, a town with strong ties to the oil industry, the project represents a significant economic opportunity.
“Drill baby drill,” said Tanner Peterson, a Cushing resident who moved to the area nearly a decade ago to work in the oil industry.
“There’s a lot of families that depend on it. And the nation depends on it as well,” Peterson said.
He believes the pipeline could create jobs and attract more businesses to the area.
“It could bring a lot of people here, boost the economy,” Peterson said.
However, environmental groups, including the Sierra Club of Oklahoma, are raising concerns about the risks associated with transporting tar sands crude oil.
“And so, what they do is they mix all these chemicals in there to make the tar sands crude go through the pipeline, they have to put it under more pressure, mix it with these chemicals,” said Kara-Joy McKee, director of the Sierra Club Oklahoma Chapter.
“The tar sands is more likely. It’s more likely to leak, and if it does leak, it’s more dangerous for the community,” McKee said.
Activists warn that a spill could endanger waterways, wildlife, and nearby communities.
“We are already facing water shortages, and to have this potentially leak into our rivers, lakes, aquifers — it’s dangerous for our water. It’s dangerous for our wildlife,” McKee said.
The project still requires additional state and federal permits before construction can begin. Bridger Pipeline has stated that their first priority is engaging with landowners and communities along the proposed route.