Authorizing NuStar Logistics, L.P., To Operate and Maintain Existing Pipeline Facilities at the International Boundary Between the United States and Mexico

This presidential permit authorizes NuStar Logistics, L.P. to operate and maintain existing pipeline facilities at the U.S.-Mexico border near Laredo, Texas, for transporting hydrocarbons and petroleum products. It supersedes and revokes two prior permits from 2003 and 2017 while imposing conditions on operations, inspections, national security access, and liability.

Federal Register Open PDF 85 FR 63989

Key directives

Grant permission to operate and maintain existing 8.625-inch diameter pipeline at La Bota crossing near Laredo, Texas
Permittee must allow free access to federal, state, and local agency inspectors
Permittee must hold harmless and indemnify U.S. from liability including environmental contamination
Permittee must maintain facilities in good repair and comply with PHMSA regulations
Permittee must report ownership/control changes immediately
Permittee must file required sworn statements and reports with agencies
President retains sole discretion to terminate, revoke, or amend permit
President may take possession of facilities for national security with due notice and compensation

Timeline

Immediate

Permit takes effect upon signing
Prior permits from 2003 and 2017 immediately superseded and revoked

Near term (90d)

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Long term

Ongoing operation and maintenance of border pipeline facilities subject to permit conditions
Potential future amendments for substantial changes to facilities

Risks & tensions

Environmental liability clause is broad, covering 'threatened release' of hazardous substances
Permittee bears full removal costs if permit terminated; vague timing ('such time as the President may specify')
National security takings provision (Article 4) allows presidential seizure with limited procedural constraints
Throughput capacity and directional flow changes are explicitly excluded from 'substantial change' definition, potentially reducing oversight for significant operational shifts