Presidential Memorandum April 15, 2026

Presidential Permit: 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

Energy Infrastructure Foreign Policy Environment

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In Simple Terms

This action lets Enbridge keep running and caring for three oil pipelines that cross the U.S.-Canada border in North Dakota. It replaces an older permit and says the lines must still follow all safety and other laws.

Summary

President Donald J. Trump issued a Presidential permit allowing Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership to continue operating and maintaining three existing cross-border pipeline facilities in Pembina County, North Dakota, where they connect with Canada. The permit covers 26-inch, 34-inch, and 18-inch pipelines used to transport crude oil and a wide range of petroleum products, and it replaces a prior permit issued in 1991. It makes clear that Enbridge cannot make major changes to the facilities, their location, or the authorized operations without further presidential approval, though it may adjust throughput and product flow direction within the pipelines’ capabilities. The order also requires the company to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, allow government inspections, secure any needed permits, maintain the facilities safely, and bear responsibility for removal or other actions if the permit is terminated or revoked.

Official Record

Awaiting Federal Register

Published on WhiteHouse.gov

View on WhiteHouse.gov

April 15, 2026

Pending Federal Register publication

Analysis & Impact

💡 How This May Affect You

Working families may see steadier fuel supplies and prices, while nearby communities still face spill and disruption risks.
Small businesses could benefit from more reliable fuel deliveries, but compliance, cleanup, or local emergency costs may remain concerns.
Students and recent graduates may see some energy and maintenance jobs, though broader education or loan costs stay unchanged.
Retirees and seniors could benefit if fuel and heating prices stay steadier, while environmental or safety concerns remain nearby.
Rural border areas may see the most direct effects; urban and suburban areas mainly feel fuel supply and price impacts.

🏢 Key Stakeholders

Enbridge Energy benefits most, gaining continued cross-border operations with flexible throughput.
North American refiners and fuel marketers benefit from steadier crude supply.
Pipeline safety and environmental regulators face oversight burdens, inspections, permitting, and enforcement.
Trucking, rail, and competing midstream operators may face reduced demand pressures.
Environmental, tribal, and local landowner advocacy groups remain concerned about spill risks.

📈 What to Expect

Existing cross-border pipeline operations continue with minimal immediate physical changes.
Enbridge updates compliance filings and coordinates inspections with federal, state, and local regulators.
Throughput or flow-direction adjustments become easier without seeking a new presidential permit.
Cross-border oil trade reliability improves modestly through reduced permitting uncertainty.
Future operational flexibility supports market-driven product shifts across the border.
Legal and political scrutiny persists, especially around spills, safety, and foreign ownership.

📚 Historical Context

Continues long-standing presidential border-pipeline permitting, used by Reagan, Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Trump.
Most directly updates George H.W. Bush’s 1991 Enbridge permit, modifying rather than creating new authority.
Echoes Trump’s 2019 cross-border energy approvals, favoring executive discretion and infrastructure continuity.
Contrasts Obama’s 2015 Keystone XL denial; this facilitates existing oil infrastructure, not blocking expansion.
Historically notable: permits existing 18-, 26-, and 34-inch lines, explicitly allowing throughput and flow changes.