Authorizing Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership To Operate and Maintain Three Existing Pipeline Facilities at Pembina County, North Dakota, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada

Key Points

• This permit gives Enbridge Energy the official go-ahead to keep running three existing oil pipelines that cross from Canada into North Dakota. These pipes carry crude oil and other petroleum products like gasoline and jet fuel into the United States.
• The new permit replaces an older one from 1991. It covers three different pipes with diameters of 18, 26, and 34 inches. These pipes run from the border to pumping stations or shut-off valves located up to 25 miles inside the U.S.
• Enbridge is now allowed to change how much oil flows through these pipes or even reverse the direction of the flow without needing to ask for a new permit. This gives the company more flexibility to move fuel based on what the market needs.
• The company must still follow all safety and environmental laws. Federal and state inspectors can check the facilities at any time to make sure they are in good repair and are not leaking or causing damage to the land.
• If there is a national security emergency, the government has the right to take control of the pipelines. Also, if the permit is ever canceled, Enbridge is responsible for the cost of removing the pipes from the ground.

Impact Analysis

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