TC Energy, the builder of the Keystone Pipeline, is implicated in a significant oil spill incident in rural North Dakota on April 8, 2025. The spill, which released approximately 3,500 barrels of crude oil, has prompted a cleanup effort while drawing attention to the pipeline’s history of spills and questions about operational safety standards.

TC Energy, along with other major Canadian energy companies, was named in an open letter urging Ottawa to dismantle key environmental and climate policies. This move, aimed at fast‐tracking fossil fuel infrastructure, is seen as a clear signal of the company’s prioritization of short-term profits over sustainable practices, thereby contributing to an environment that can bolster authoritarian deregulation.

In a politically charged open letter, TC Energy's CEO joined industry leaders urging the Canadian government to invoke emergency powers to speed up energy infrastructure projects. This move, aimed at deregulating and fast‐tracking project approvals, is seen as aggressive corporate lobbying that may undermine democratic processes.

TC Energy, along with other leading energy companies, delivered an open letter to Canadian federal political leaders urging a dramatic overhaul of regulatory frameworks to enable faster project approvals and eliminate constraints like the federal carbon levy. This effort to simplify regulation and accelerate critical infrastructure development raises concerns about corporate overreach and potential regulatory capture, undermining democratic oversight.

TC Energy released its annual report detailing its measures to prevent forced and child labour in its supply chains, including comprehensive due diligence, risk screening, and employee training. The report outlines robust policies and governance measures designed to uphold labour rights and ensure ethical sourcing practices.

TC Energy’s comprehensive 2024 sustainability report details its governance, transparent political contributions, robust labor relations, ethical supply chain management, and responsible economic collaboration. The report emphasizes proactive engagement with stakeholders and strong internal practices in health, safety, diversity, and employee wellbeing, suggesting a positive corporate ethical posture.

TC Energy's attempt to claim over $15 billion in damages related to the cancelled Keystone XL pipeline was dismissed by an international trade tribunal. The company argued that the revocation of its permit was politically motivated and unfair, while environmental activists hailed the decision as a precedent that upholds the government's ability to enact progressive climate policies.

A leaked internal presentation revealed that TC Energy employed strategic lobbying tactics, including using government letterhead for briefing notes and cultivating personal relationships with influential bureaucrats and politicians, to sway policy decisions in favor of its pipeline and LNG projects, effectively undermining stricter climate regulations.

Leaked recordings reveal a TC Energy executive detailing efforts to influence government policy through strategic lobbying and relationship-building, including drafting briefing notes and leveraging diplomatic contacts to sway climate and energy regulations in favor of the company’s fossil fuel interests.

Revealed internal recordings indicate that TC Energy has employed former Trump staffers to actively shape policy discussions, influence regulatory reforms, and engage with intelligence agencies to secure favorable outcomes for its fossil fuel interests. These actions raise concerns about the company’s manipulation of political processes and regulatory environments, aligning with authoritarian practices and undermining democratic accountability.

TC Energy Corporation's Political Contributions and Activities Policy outlines detailed guidelines on political contributions and lobbying practices with transparency and internal controls, reflecting its commitment to legal compliance and non-partisanship. While the policy enforces strict measures to mitigate undue influence, the very engagement in corporate lobbying remains a concern for anti-fascist advocates, who worry about potential indirect impacts on democratic processes.

Revealed documents highlight TC Energy's aggressive lobbying tactics and close informal engagements with BC government officials. Actions such as sending laudatory letters, arranging casual meetings, and updating lobbying filings to maintain favorable access suggest strategic corporate efforts that risk influencing public policy in ways that may undermine democratic processes.

TC Energy's governance document details its clear policies on lobbying, political contributions, and corporate memberships. The guidelines emphasize transparency, strict adherence to legal standards, and ethical conduct in political activities, decreasing the risk of covert support for authoritarian practices.

TC Energy, following the Biden administration's cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline permit, has filed a legacy NAFTA claim seeking over $15 billion in compensation. Progressives have denounced the move as prioritizing corporate profit over public interest and environmental responsibility.