Surge in Pipeline Capacity and Government Support
The United States saw a significant increase in natural gas pipeline capacity in 2024, with 17.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of new takeaway infrastructure added—the largest expansion since 2021. This surge comes as the Trump Administration pushes for more pipeline projects, aiming to support domestic energy production and lower consumer costs, particularly in the Northeast.
A total of ten major pipelines were completed last year, delivering natural gas from key producing regions to demand centers along the U.S. Gulf Coast and mid-Atlantic. Five of these projects—including the Mountain Valley Pipeline, Regional Energy Access Project, and Matterhorn Express Pipeline—expanded takeaway capacity by 6.5 Bcf/d from major shale gas regions such as Appalachia, Haynesville, Permian, and Eagle Ford. Meanwhile, another five pipelines increased feedgas supply to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminals in Texas and Louisiana by approximately 8.5 Bcf/d. Smaller interstate and intrastate projects contributed nearly 3.0 Bcf/d to the overall capacity increase.
Boosting Domestic Production and Exports
With U.S. Natural Gas Pipeline takeaway capacity expanding in both 2023 and 2024, the industry is recovering from the 2022 slowdown when fewer than 5 Bcf/d of new capacity was added. Last year’s expansion was more than triple that of 2022 and marked the most significant growth since 2021 when over 20 Bcf/d of pipeline capacity was introduced.
The increase in pipeline infrastructure is a welcome development for U.S. Natural Gas Pipeline producers, who are set to boost output this year after experiencing price stagnation and reduced well completions in 2024. Enhanced transportation capacity from major shale regions, including Appalachia and the Gulf, is expected to strengthen production as prices recover. Moreover, with additional pipeline projects in progress, the supply of natural gas to LNG export terminals is expected to grow, reinforcing the U.S.’s role as a global energy supplier.
The expansion aligns with the Trump Administration’s commitment to increasing domestic oil and gas production and enhancing infrastructure to improve energy availability for American consumers. Federal support could accelerate further development of the U.S. Natural Gas Pipeline, ensuring a more stable supply chain for natural gas and potentially lowering market prices.
Revival of the Constitution Pipeline
A key project that could soon be back on track is the Constitution Pipeline, which was originally planned to transport natural gas from Pennsylvania through New York to New England. Previously scrapped in 2020 due to permitting challenges, the pipeline’s construction could resume by the end of 2025 if it gains sufficient regulatory and state-level backing.
Williams Companies, the original project developer, has expressed interest in reviving the pipeline, provided there is enough customer demand and support from regional governors, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul. U.S. Secretary Wright emphasized the importance of the pipeline, stating that its completion would benefit all stakeholders and resolve past political obstacles that halted its progress.
With growing government backing and industry momentum, the expansion of natural gas infrastructure could play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy landscape, boosting production, lowering costs, and ensuring a more reliable supply for both domestic use and international exports.
