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Quarterly update tracking major U.S. natural gas pipeline projects expected in 2026, including CP Express, Blackcomb, Hugh Brinson, and Texas intrastate expansions. Analysis covers construction progress, regulatory milestones, and Arbo’s forecasted in-service dates.
2026 brings 22 Bcf/d of projected pipeline capacity additions as permitting reform advances and litigation patterns shift post-Seven County. We’re watching closely for NESE and Constitution pipeline revivals, FERC blanket authority expansion, CWA 401 disputes, and the intersection of AI-driven power demand with gas infrastructure development across evolving regulatory and political landscapes.
2025 brought major shifts in energy infrastructure: 6 Bcf/d of new pipeline capacity entered service as federal litigation risk declined following Seven County. A fully seated FERC Commission and surging AI power demand accelerated gas project development while environmental challenges moved to state courts.
Louisiana reissued Commonwealth LNG’s coastal permit after it was vacated for inadequate climate and environmental justice analysis, but new legal challenges are expected as the state reserves its right to appeal.
Venture Global’s Plaquemines LNG Expansion aims for 2028 startup. Can FERC’s EA process and shared facilities deliver on an aggressive 3-year timeline?
FERC Chair Swett advances blanket authorization for LNG facilities and resolves years of oil pipeline indexing disputes. New NOPR proposes PPI-FG minus 1.42% for 2026-2031, while pipelines gain retroactive billing relief for the locked-in period following LEPA v. FERC decision.
A ruling from the Fifth Circuit shows how fact-specific FERC’s cost allocation and environmental analyses are under the Seven County framework, clarifying how courts view expansion, replacement, and reliability projects.
Louisiana court vacates Commonwealth LNG’s coastal permit over inadequate climate and environmental justice analysis, halting construction despite active FERC approval. State-level challenges may signal new litigation strategy for LNG project opponents after federal limits imposed by Seven County ruling.
Blackfin’s three main options are: appeal now, wait and potentially appeal the trial decision on the merits, or relocate the compressor station.