Department of State July 27, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership (Enbridge) has applied to the United States Department of State for a Presidential Permit for the proposed construction, connection, operation, and maintenance at the border of the United States of facilities for the export and import of petroleum to and from a foreign country (Alberta Clipper Project). The Department of State receives and considers applications for Presidential Permits for such energy-related pipelines pursuant to authority delegated to it by the President under Executive Order 13337 of April 30, 2004 (69 FR 25299). To issue a Permit, the Department of State must find that issuance would serve the national interest. The Department intends to consult extensively with concerned Federal and State agencies on this application, and invites public comment to assist it in arriving at its determination. In accordance with Section 102(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4332(C)) and implementing regulations promulgated by the Council on Environmental Quality (40 CFR parts 1500-1508) and the Department of State (22 CFR part 161), including in particular 22 CFR 161.7(c)(1), the Department of State intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to determine if there are any potential significant impacts and to address alternatives to the proposed action. The purpose of this Notice of Intent is to inform the public about the proposed action, announce plans for scoping meetings, invite public participation in the scoping process, and solicit public comments for consideration in establishing the scope and content of the Alberta Clipper Project EA. As the proposed project may involve an action in a floodplain or wetland, the EA will also include a floodplain and wetlands assessment and floodplain statement of findings. In addition, Enbridge proposes to construct an additional pipeline concurrently and within a portion of the same pipeline corridor adjacent to the Alberta Clipper Project between Clearbrook, MN and Superior, WI. This project is not subject to a Presidential Permit or other Department of State jurisdiction. However, because the two projects will be constructed in the same corridor, the Department of State will accept comments on potential issues relevant to the construction of this facility.