BLM to review proposed Helena to Three Forks natural gas pipeline

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced last week the plans to conduct an environmental review for NorthWestern Energy’s proposed 74-mile natural gas pipeline from Helena to Three Forks.

The review will take place under an accelerated 14-day environmental review process initiated after President Donald J. Trump declared a National Energy Emergency earlier this year.

The route of the proposed pipeline crosses approximately 7.2 miles within the Butte Field Office administrative boundary as well as 1.6 miles through the Limestone Hills Area.

The route also crosses 64 miles of private land. According to the BLM, the proposed action would result in the applicant’s ability to construct and operate a 16-inch buried natural gas pipeline on federal lands as well as approximately 64 miles between East Helena and Three Forks.

The BLM’s Environmental Assessment states most of the proposed pipeline on non-federal lands would be within 75 feet of the existing Yellowstone Pipeline. Construction would take place in phases between spring 2026 and fall 2029.

According to a release from NorthWestern Energy, new gas infrastructure from Helena, south, to the Three Forks area will enhance service reliability for customers and add redundancy by linking the western and eastern portions of their natural gas system.

“NorthWestern Energy’s natural gas customers are increasing. Additional natural gas delivery infrastructure is needed to enhance the capacity and resiliency of our energy system, especially during extreme weather events,” states the release.

By linking the system, NorthWestern said this would relieve congestion and bottlenecks during cold weather events and provide flexibility to source the most affordable natural gas for Montana communities.

In April 2025, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the implementation of emergency permitting procedures to strengthen domestic energy supply.

The move came after U.S. President Donald J Trump declared a National Energy Emergency on January 20, 2025.

“The United States cannot afford to wait,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in April. “President Trump has made it clear that our energy security is national security, and these emergency procedures reflect our unwavering commitment to protecting both. We are cutting through unnecessary delays to fast-track the development of American energy and critical minerals-resources that are essential to our economy, our military readiness, and our global competitiveness. By reducing a multi-year permitting process down to just 28 days, the Department will lead with urgency, resolve, and a clear focus on strengthening the nation’s energy independence.”