Approval for New US-Canada Crude Oil Pipeline in Montana
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC got the green light to build and run a new 36-inch pipeline crossing the U.S.-Canada border in Phillips County, Montana. This pipeline will carry all kinds of crude oil and petroleum products (but not natural gas) between the two countries. The project follows all laws and is set to boost energy transport without any immediate cost changes announced.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit OKs 36-inch Cross-Border Oil Pipeline
A Presidential permit signed April 30, 2026 allows Bridger Pipeline Expansion LLC to construct, connect, operate, and maintain a 36-inch diameter pipeline crossing the U.S.–Canada border in Phillips County, Montana. The permit authorizes transport between the United States and Canada of crude oil and petroleum products of every description (the text lists naphtha, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas liquids, jet fuel, gasoline, kerosene, and diesel).
Permittee Must Indemnify U.S. for Contamination
The permit requires the permittee to hold harmless and indemnify the United States from any claimed or adjudged liability arising out of construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from release or threatened release of hazardous substances or hazardous waste. This obligation is stated in Article 6(2).
Removal Obligation on Termination at Permittee Expense
Article 3 requires that upon termination, revocation, or surrender of the permit the permittee, at its own expense, shall remove the Border facilities within a time the President may specify; if the permittee fails to comply, the United States may remove them at the permittee's expense. The permittee will have no claim for damages caused by such removal or possession.
Natural Gas Shipments Excluded
The permit explicitly excludes natural gas that is subject to section 3 of the Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b); the authorization does not allow transporting that natural gas across the border via these Border facilities. The permit text limits the authorized products to crude oil and petroleum products and says it does not include natural gas under that statute.
Must Comply With Laws, Inspections, Permits
The Border facilities and their operation are subject to all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including pipeline safety rules administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The permittee must obtain requisite permits from relevant State and local entities and allow inspections and free access by authorized officials.
U.S. May Seize for National Security, With Compensation
Article 4 gives the United States the right to enter, take possession of, and retain management or control of the Border facilities when the President judges it necessary for national security, provided the President gives due notice. The United States shall pay just and fair compensation for use and bear restoration costs, less the value of improvements.
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