Enbridge's Three Border Pipelines Get Permit Renewal
Published Date: 4/20/2026
Presidential Document
Summary
Enbridge Energy got the green light to keep running and taking care of three existing pipelines crossing the U.S.-Canada border in Pembina County, North Dakota. This new permit replaces the old one from 1991 and lets them transport all kinds of crude oil and petroleum products safely and legally. No new fees or deadlines were announced, but Enbridge must follow all current laws while operating these pipelines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit Allows Three Pipelines to Operate
On April 15, 2026, a Presidential permit lets Enbridge operate and maintain three existing border pipeline facilities in Pembina County, North Dakota — 26-inch, 34-inch, and 18-inch pipelines — extending approximately 25, 0.75, and 18 miles into the United States to the first mainline shut-off valve or pumping station. This permit supersedes the prior Presidential permit dated December 12, 1991 and authorizes transport of crude oil and petroleum products between the United States and Canada.
Indemnity and Environmental Liability Required
The permit requires the permittee to hold harmless and indemnify the United States for any claimed or adjudged liability arising out of operation or maintenance of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from releases of hazardous substances or hazardous waste. The permittee must also maintain the Border facilities in good repair and in compliance with law.
Flexible Throughput and Flow Allowed
The permit allows the permittee to change the average daily throughput capacity of the Border facilities to any volume achievable through the facilities and to change the directional flow of products without a Presidential amendment. These operational changes do not count as 'substantial change' requiring Presidential approval.
Subject to Inspections and Safety Laws
The Border facilities and their operation are subject to inspection by appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies and must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including pipeline safety laws administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The permittee must also obtain requisite State and local permits.
Removal Obligation on Permit End or Revocation
If this permit is terminated, revoked, or surrendered, the permittee must, at its own expense, remove the Border facilities within the time the President specifies; if the permittee fails to comply, the United States may remove the facilities at the permittee's expense and the permittee has no claim for damages from such action.
U.S. May Seize Facilities for National Security
The United States may enter, take possession of, and retain control of any of the Border facilities when the President judges it necessary to ensure national security, provided due notice is given; the United States will pay just and fair compensation and bear restoration costs less the value of any improvements made by the United States.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07725 — Authorizing Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership To Operate and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at Pembina County, North Dakota, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada
Enbridge Energy got the green light to keep running and taking care of their existing oil pipeline at the U.S.-Canada border in Pembina County, North Dakota. This new permit replaces the old one from 2017 and lets them transport all kinds of crude oil and petroleum products, but not natural gas. The permit kicks in right away and keeps all usual safety and legal rules in place.
Next: 2026-07730 — Authorizing Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership To Operate and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at St. Clair County, Michigan, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada
Enbridge Energy got the green light from the President to keep running and taking care of their existing oil pipeline at the U.S.-Canada border in St. Clair County, Michigan. This new permit replaces the old one from 1991 and covers transporting all kinds of crude oil and petroleum products, but not natural gas. The pipeline must follow all current laws, and this approval keeps things moving smoothly without new fees or delays.