Presidential Permit Authorizing Steel Reef US Pipelines LLC To Operate and Maintain Pipeline Facilities at Burke County, North Dakota, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Canada

6/30/2025

Presidential Memoranda

View Original

Action Summary

Authorization Granted: President grants a permit to Steel Reef US Pipelines LLC to operate and maintain pipeline facilities at the U.S.-Canada border in Burke County, North Dakota for the export of natural gas liquids (excluding certain natural gas under the Natural Gas Act).
Definition of Facilities: “Border facilities” are defined as the U.S. side portion of an 8.625-inch diameter pipeline extending from the international boundary to the first mainline shut-off valve or pumping station, including all appurtenant land, structures, and equipment.
Operational Conditions: The permit mandates that no substantial changes can be made to the facilities or their location without a Presidential amendment, except for adjustments in throughput capacity and directional flow within current capability.
Regulatory Compliance and Inspections: The facilities must operate in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including pipeline safety regulations; authorized government representatives have unrestricted inspection access.
Termination and Removal Provisions: Upon termination or revocation of the permit, the permittee is required to remove the facilities at its own expense within a specified timeframe, with the U.S. having the right to take necessary actions if non-compliance occurs.
National Security Authority: The President reserves the right to assume possession and control of the facilities for national security purposes, with just compensation and restoration rights provided to the permittee.
Transfer and Reporting Requirements: Any changes in ownership or control of the facilities must be immediately reported to the President, and the permittee is obligated to provide regular reports and information as required.
Liability and Maintenance: The permittee must secure all necessary permits, maintain the facilities in good repair, and indemnify the United States against any liabilities arising from operation or maintenance, including environmental issues.
No Third-Party Enforcement: The permit explicitly does not create any enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its representatives.

Risks & Considerations

The Presidential permit authorizes the operation and maintenance of pipeline facilities at the U.S.-Canada border, which could have implications for environmental policies and cross-border trade regulations. Vanderbilt University may need to consider the potential environmental impacts and regulatory changes that could arise from such infrastructure projects.
There is a risk of increased scrutiny and regulatory compliance requirements for institutions involved in research or partnerships related to energy infrastructure and environmental studies. This could affect Vanderbilt’s research initiatives and collaborations in these areas.
The permit includes conditions for the removal of facilities upon termination, which could lead to legal and financial implications for the permittee. Vanderbilt may need to assess the potential impact on its legal studies and policy analysis programs.
National security considerations outlined in the permit could influence research and discussions on energy security and international relations, areas where Vanderbilt may have academic and research interests.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Environmental and Energy Law Program may need to address new legal frameworks and compliance issues arising from the operation of cross-border pipeline facilities.
The School of Engineering could see increased demand for expertise in pipeline safety, maintenance, and environmental impact assessments, potentially leading to new research opportunities.
Vanderbilt’s International Relations and Political Science Departments may need to explore the geopolitical implications of cross-border energy infrastructure and its impact on U.S.-Canada relations.

Financial Impact

The operation of pipeline facilities could lead to changes in funding opportunities for research related to energy infrastructure, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance. Vanderbilt may need to adjust its grant application strategies accordingly.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in energy policy and infrastructure, particularly through collaborations with federal agencies and industry partners.
Potential legal and regulatory challenges associated with the permit could impact Vanderbilt’s financial planning and risk management strategies, particularly in areas related to environmental law and policy.

Relevance Score: 3 (The permit presents moderate risks involving compliance and regulatory considerations that could impact Vanderbilt’s research and academic programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments related to the Presidential permit for pipeline operations at the U.S.-Canada border. Understanding the regulatory environment and potential changes in cross-border energy infrastructure could inform strategic decisions, particularly for research and partnerships in energy and environmental policy.
The Vanderbilt Law School could explore the legal implications of such permits and their conditions, offering insights into international trade and environmental law. This could enhance the curriculum and provide students with real-world case studies.
Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering might consider research opportunities in pipeline safety and maintenance technologies, aligning with the permit’s emphasis on compliance with safety laws and regulations. This could lead to collaborations with federal agencies or private sector partners.

Opportunities

The permit’s focus on maintaining and operating cross-border facilities presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Environmental Management Studies to engage in research on the environmental impacts of such infrastructure. This could position Vanderbilt as a leader in sustainable energy practices and policy development.
By engaging with policymakers and industry leaders, Vanderbilt can position itself as a thought leader in the national conversation on energy infrastructure and security. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of cross-border energy projects can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative environmental and energy policy thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 3 (The permit presents some adjustments needed for Vanderbilt’s programs, particularly in research and policy engagement related to energy infrastructure.)

Average Relevance Score: 2.4

Timeline for Implementation

N/A: The text does not include any specific deadlines or implementation timeframes for the directives.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA): As part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, PHMSA is explicitly referenced for enforcing pipeline safety laws and regulations at the Border facilities.
Federal, State, and Local Regulatory Agencies: These agencies are tasked with inspecting the operation and maintenance of the Border facilities and ensuring compliance with applicable environmental and safety regulations.

Relevance Score: 1 (Only 1 or 2 agencies are directly implicated by the permit conditions.)

Responsible Officials

President or His Designee – Holds ultimate authority to approve permit changes, require removal of infrastructure, and exercise control when national security is at stake.
Representatives of Appropriate Federal, State, and Local Agencies – Tasked with inspecting the pipeline operations and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and safety regulations (including those administered by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation).

Relevance Score: 4 (The directives impact agency heads and senior officials responsible for oversight and enforcement, while also involving the President’s delegation authority.)