Texas Leads a Massive Surge in US Gas Pipeline Capacity

Federal data reveals a massive midstream buildout, with billions of cubic feet of new pipeline capacity under construction to feed global energy demand

28 May 2026

Developers plan to add approximately 44.9 billion cubic feet per day of new natural gas pipeline capacity in the United States over the next two years. Data from the US Energy Information Administration shows that 70 per cent of this network expansion, representing 31.6 billion cubic feet per day, is already under active construction.

Texas forms the center of the infrastructure buildout, originating more than 66 per cent of the planned national capacity. The regional expansion aims to relieve prolonged transport bottlenecks in the Permian Basin and supply fuel to expanding liquefied natural gas terminals along the Gulf Coast.

Three main infrastructure projects drive the expansion within Texas. The 138 mile Rio Bravo system, managed by NextDecade, has a capacity of 4.5 billion cubic feet per day and will supply fuel to the Rio Grande export terminal later this year. Whitewater Midstream is constructing the 2.5 billion cubic feet per day Blackcomb link from the Waha hub to Agua Dulce, scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026. Williams is also advancing its Hugh Brinson system to add 2.2 billion cubic feet per day of regional capacity by early 2027.

Beyond Texas, Louisiana and Virginia are projected to add 8.4 billion cubic feet and 1.6 billion cubic feet per day respectively. This development includes the Port Arthur link and expansions to the existing Transcontinental network. Commercial demand is rising because of higher consumption from utility companies, technology data centers, and global energy markets.

However, completing these capital projects on schedule involves considerable operational risk. Tight delivery schedules are directly linked to the operational windows of multi billion dollar coastal export facilities. Supply chain constraints, labor shortages, and regulatory approvals could disrupt construction timelines. Any delays in the regional infrastructure rollout risk extending price volatility for domestic producers and delaying shipments to international energy markets.