US datacenter demand spurs increased fossil fuel pipeline projects as rules are discarded
Summary
A review of federal records by the Environmental Integrity Project identified nearly 200 proposed or ongoing U.S. fossil fuel pipeline projects, totaling about 17,000 miles. The report says datacenter power needs and natural gas exports are driving expansion as the Trump administration rolls back protections and speeds approvals, potentially increasing risks to communities.Key Facts
- The nearly 200 pipeline projects could carry about 40% more natural gas each day than the current system.
- At least 98 proposed gas-fired power plants are intended to serve datacenters, according to the article.
- Most projects would carry natural gas across 42 states; 42 are in or cross Texas, 27 are in Louisiana, and nine each are in Pennsylvania and Illinois.
- The report says more than 25% of the projects requested expedited environmental reviews.
- The administration has used the Defense Production Act to advance pipeline projects over state objections, including the Santa Ynez oil pipeline in California and a proposed Constitution pipeline from Pennsylvania to upstate New York.
- The article says the administration issued a January memo pledging not to take enforcement action against companies that violate Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration rules.
- The report cites an average of about 1.7 pipeline accidents, spills, fires, or explosions per day in the United States.
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