KEY FINDINGS
1. A tidal wave of new natural gas transmission pipelines throughout the United States could lead to record increases in US natural gas production over the next five years. 104 natural gas transmission pipeline projects are planned or under construction across the United States.
- The total additional capacity of these planned pipelines – 99 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) – is just shy of the total volume of US natural gas production in 2024 (103 Bcf/d).
- Sixty-seven Bcf/d of gas pipeline capacity is expected to be added between 2025 and 2027, which would be two and a half times more pipeline capacity than was installed during the past three years (26.9 Bcf/d, 2022-2024).
2. The wave of planned natural gas transmission pipelines could have a CO2 footprint greater than all US coal consumption, locking in emissions for decades and undermining US and global climate progress.
3. Building new gas transmission pipelines will significantly increase US emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The Trump administration’s deregulatory agenda will contribute to high methane leak rates from oil and gas operations, resulting in an even higher climate footprint from new transmission capacity and associated production.
- Most methane leaks occur during gas production, gathering and distribution. Less than 1% of US methane leaks from gas pipelines occurs during transmission.
4. Eighty percent of the natural gas shipped through planned pipelines will be converted to LNG and shipped overseas, increasing energy costs for US consumers and businesses.
