Bakken Pipeline Gets US Approval at Canada Border
Published Date: 4/20/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
The government just gave Bakken Pipeline Company LP the green light to build, connect, and run new pipeline facilities right at the U.S.-Canada border in Burke County, North Dakota. This means smoother energy flow between the two countries, with Bakken responsible for keeping everything up and running. The permit kicks in immediately, helping boost cross-border energy trade without extra costs to the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit to Build and Operate Border Pipeline
The President granted Bakken Pipeline Company LP a permit on April 15, 2026 to construct, connect, operate, and maintain Border facilities. The Border facilities include a 24-inch diameter pipeline from the international border near Portal, North Dakota to the first mainline shut-off valve or pumping station located less than 1 mile inside the United States, for transporting crude oil and petroleum products.
Indemnity and Environmental Liability Duty
The permittee must hold harmless and indemnify the United States for any claimed or adjudged liability arising from construction, operation, or maintenance of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from hazardous substances or hazardous waste. The permittee must also maintain the facilities in good repair and in compliance with law.
Removal and Post-Termination Costs
If the permit is terminated, revoked, or surrendered, the permittee must, at its own expense, remove the Border facilities within a time the President may specify. If the permittee fails to comply, the United States may remove the facilities at the permittee's expense and the permittee shall have no claim for damages caused by such action.
Flexibility To Change Flow and Throughput
The permittee may change the average daily throughput capacity of the Border facilities to any volume achievable through the facilities and may change the directional flow of products without a Presidential amendment. Substantial changes to location, the Border facilities, or the authorized operation still require Presidential approval.
Subject To Safety Laws and Agency Inspections
The Border facilities and their construction, connection, operation, and maintenance are subject to all applicable laws and regulations and to inspection by Federal, State, and local agencies, including pipeline safety rules administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The permittee must obtain requisite State and local permits and authorizations.
National Security Possession With Compensation
The United States may enter and take possession, management, or control of any Border facilities when the President judges it necessary for national security, provided the President or designee gives due notice. If exercised, the United States will pay just and fair compensation and bear restoration costs less the value of any improvements.
Ownership Transfers Must Be Reported
Any transfer of ownership or control of the Border facilities, or any change to the permittee's name, must be immediately reported in writing to the President or designee and must identify any transferee. The permit remains in force and subject to its conditions despite such transfers.
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