Natural Gas Distribution NAICS 221210

May 26, 2026 - FERC Proposes Streamlining of Pipeline Permitting Process

• Pipeline & Gas Journal reports that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has proposed sweeping changes to streamline its natural gas permitting process and accelerate approvals for pipeline, LNG, and other energy infrastructure projects. The reforms would expand eligibility for blanket certificate authorization, allowing more interstate natural gas facilities to proceed without case-by-case review. FERC also proposed raising the program's project cost limits to encourage faster investment and construction. This effort follows a 2025 Notice of Inquiry seeking industry input. Separately, the commission extended temporary cost limit waivers through May 31, 2028. FERC said it is also reviewing broader permitting updates for LNG and hydroelectric projects to improve efficiency, reliability, and long-term US energy infrastructure development.
• Developers plan to add about 44.9 billion cubic feet per day of US natural gas pipeline capacity in 2026 and 2027, with roughly 70% already under construction, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Texas accounts for more than 66% of additions, followed by Louisiana at 19%. Projects in Texas aim to expand takeaway capacity from the Permian Basin, ease congestion at the Waha Hub, and supply LNG export terminals and domestic residential, power, and industrial users. Major projects include the Rio Bravo Pipeline, the Blackcomb pipeline, and the Hugh Brinson Project. In Louisiana, the Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector and Pelican Pipeline will boost capacity. Virginia ranks third, led by the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, which is expected to be completed in 2027 and will expand the Transcontinental Pipeline between Virginia and Alabama.

• According to The Houston Chronicle, Houston-based Caturus Energy approved its $13 billion Commonwealth LNG project in mid-May, after securing more than $9.5 billion in funding. The project faced several years of delays after the Biden administration paused LNG project permitting. The facility, planned for Cameron Parish, Louisiana, is expected to begin operations in 2030 and export 9.5 million metric tons annually, about 11% of US LNG exports last year. The project reflects rising global demand driven in part by the Iran war, with LNG seen as a cleaner fuel. Backers include Kimmeridge, Mubadala, and Canada Pension Plan Investments, with long-term supply deals involving EQT, Glencore, Mercuria, Petronas, and Aramco Trading.
• According to the US Energy Information Administration, US liquefied natural gas export capacity rose by about 0.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in April as new projects came online. Golden Pass LNG shipped its first cargo on April 22 from Train 1, adding about 0.7 Bcf/d and becoming the ninth operational US LNG export terminal. Cheniere also ramped up production at Train 5 at Corpus Christi Stage 3, contributing 0.2 Bcf/d, while commissioning began on Train 6, expected to add another 0.2 Bcf/d in summer 2026. LNG exports are forecast to average 17.0 Bcf/d this year and 18.2 Bcf/d in 2027. The 2027 outlook was lowered by 0.4 Bcf/d from last month due to announced delays to Golden Pass Trains 2 and 3 by shareholder Exxon.