By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
In a 14-day environmental review process, the Bureau of Land Management approved a natural gas pipeline between Helena and Three Forks. The Northwestern Energy project will allow for a 74-mile pipeline along approximately seven miles of BLM-managed land, 64 miles of non-federal lands and 1.6 miles through Department of Defense land.
Normally, environmental assessments for energy projects take about one year for review. But under the Trump Administration’s declaration of a national energy emergency, an alternative environmental policy reduces processing time to 14 days for an environmental assessment and 28 days for review of an environmental impact statement.
In a June 27 press release, BLM announced the pipeline’s approval, as well as three other energy projects that will take place in Nevada.
“Approving these projects reflects our commitment to strengthening America’s energy independence,” stated BLM Acting Director Bill Groffy in the release. “By responsibly developing energy resources on public lands, we’re helping to secure a reliable, diverse energy future for the nation while supporting jobs and local economies.”
Construction will begin on the project in the spring of 2026.
