Online Resources for Tracking Pipeline Projects in the USA

May 16, 2025

The pipeline industry in the United States forms a critical component of the nation's energy infrastructure, responsible for the transportation of vast quantities of natural gas, crude oil, and other hazardous liquids. Staying informed about the development and status of pipeline projects is essential for a wide range of stakeholders, including industry professionals, policymakers, researchers, public interest groups, and the general public. The internet provides a wealth of resources for tracking these projects, and this article aims to identify the top online platforms, with a particular focus on official government and reputable organizational websites.

Key U.S. Federal Government Resources

The U.S. federal government plays a central role in regulating and overseeing the pipeline industry. Several agencies provide online resources that are invaluable for tracking pipeline projects.

A. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)

As the primary federal agency responsible for pipeline safety, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) offers a comprehensive online presence. Their homepage at https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/ serves as a central hub, providing an overview of their mission to protect people and the environment through the safe transportation of energy and hazardous materials. The website offers direct access to news, regulations, data and statistics, various safety programs, and other pertinent information related to the pipeline industry. This initial point of contact allows users to navigate to specific areas based on their information needs.

Recognizing the importance of community engagement in pipeline safety, PHMSA also maintains a dedicated Pipeline Safety Community Portal. This specialized platform likely contains resources and information tailored for the general public and local stakeholders who live or work near pipeline infrastructure. The existence of this portal underscores PHMSA's commitment to ensuring that communities are informed about pipeline operations and safety measures in their vicinity.

For those specifically interested in new infrastructure, PHMSA provides a dedicated Pipeline Construction section. This area offers detailed information about the various phases of pipeline construction, quality action plans that operators are encouraged to develop, and common issues encountered during the construction process. Notably, PHMSA has increased its inspection activities for new pipeline projects to verify that operators comply with federal safety regulations. The agency also utilizes Annual Reports submitted by pipeline operators to track the miles of newly constructed pipelines each year. This active oversight during the construction phase highlights PHMSA's proactive approach to ensuring the initial integrity and safety of pipeline infrastructure.

Access to data is crucial for understanding the pipeline industry, and PHMSA's Data and Statistics section is a key resource. This area provides access to a wide range of data on federally and state-regulated pipelines, including natural gas, hazardous liquids, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants. Users can find raw data downloads, yearly summaries of pipeline incidents, multi-year trends in safety performance metrics, and inventories tracking the removal of aging and higher-risk infrastructure. By making this comprehensive data publicly available, PHMSA enables informed analysis of the pipeline network's performance and safety record by researchers, analysts, and the public.

Visualizing the pipeline infrastructure is made possible through PHMSA's National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) Public Viewer. This web-based application allows users to view data on gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines, as well as LNG plants and breakout tanks, on a county-by-county basis across the United States. The viewer includes details about pipeline attributes and contact information for the operating companies. It also displays the locations of gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipeline accidents and incidents dating back to 2002. This tool provides a critical spatial context for understanding the distribution of pipeline infrastructure and identifying the responsible operators in specific geographic areas, along with a historical record of safety incidents.

To ensure regulatory compliance, PHMSA actively monitors and enforces safety regulations. Information about these efforts is available in the Enforcement Data section. This area offers a variety of reports and records detailing PHMSA's enforcement activities involving pipeline operators, including the number of cases initiated and closed each year, the types of enforcement actions taken, the status of ongoing cases, and details on civil penalty cases. By providing this information, PHMSA promotes transparency in its regulatory oversight and demonstrates how it holds pipeline operators accountable for failing to comply with safety standards.

In certain situations, PHMSA may issue special permits for pipeline operations that deviate from standard regulations. These permits are often granted to facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies or to accommodate specific operational conditions. The Special Permits Issued section provides a list of these permits, including the operator, the pipeline system, the docket number, and the date the permit was issued. Tracking these special permits can offer valuable insights into emerging trends within the pipeline industry and the agency's flexibility in adapting regulations to new circumstances.

Finally, staying informed about the latest developments requires monitoring PHMSA's Newsroom. This section provides up-to-date news and announcements from the agency, including safety orders issued in response to incidents, proposed rulemakings aimed at enhancing pipeline safety, and reports to Congress on various aspects of pipeline oversight. The newsroom serves as the official channel for PHMSA to communicate important information and updates to the public and stakeholders in a timely manner.

B. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plays a crucial role in the pipeline industry by regulating the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil, and electricity. Their homepage provides an overview of their responsibilities, which include reviewing and authorizing proposals for the construction of new interstate natural gas pipelines and LNG terminals. FERC's oversight is essential for the development of significant energy infrastructure projects that cross state lines.

For those tracking potential natural gas pipeline infrastructure development, FERC's Major Pipeline Projects Pending section is a valuable resource. This area lists major natural gas pipeline projects that are currently under consideration by the commission. For each project, detailed information is provided, including the applicant company, the project name, the states involved, the date the application was filed, the anticipated completion date, the length of the proposed pipeline, its intended capacity, and the amount of compression horsepower required. This section offers a direct view into the future landscape of natural gas pipeline infrastructure in the United States.

Accessing detailed information and participating in the regulatory process is facilitated through FERC Online. This platform includes several key components. The eLibrary serves as a comprehensive database where users can search for and access filings and documents related to specific pipeline projects, including the crucial Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). The eComment and eFiling features provide mechanisms for the public to submit their comments and formal interventions on proposed pipeline projects, ensuring that stakeholder voices are heard during the review process. Additionally, the eSubscription service allows users to sign up for email notifications about filings and issuances related to specific project dockets, enabling them to stay informed about the progress of projects they are interested in. FERC Online is therefore a central hub for both accessing information and engaging with the regulatory process for pipeline projects.

Environmental considerations are paramount in FERC's review of pipeline projects. The Environmental Documents section provides direct access to the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and other environmental reviews prepared by FERC staff for proposed pipeline projects. These documents offer a detailed analysis of the potential environmental consequences of a project, covering a wide range of impacts on ecosystems, communities, and resources. Reviewing these EISs is essential for understanding the environmental implications of proposed pipeline infrastructure.

To gain a historical perspective on natural gas pipeline development, FERC offers the Approved Major Pipeline Projects (1997-Present) section. This resource presents a searchable table listing all major natural gas pipeline projects that have been approved by the commission since 1997. For each approved project, key details are provided, such as the docket number, the applicant company, the project name, the states involved, the filing date, the completion date, the length of the pipeline, its capacity, and the compression horsepower. This historical data can be valuable for identifying trends in pipeline development and understanding the long-term growth of the nation's natural gas transportation network.

C. Permitting Council (permit.performance.gov and permitting.gov)

The Permitting Council plays a role in streamlining the federal permitting process for critical infrastructure projects through its FAST-41 program. The Permitting Dashboard tracks the progress of these projects, which can include pipelines, across various sectors. While pipelines may not always be explicitly listed, the dashboard provides insights into the permitting timelines and status of major infrastructure initiatives. The Permitting Council's website offers information about the council's mission to improve transparency and efficiency in federal permitting, as well as details about the FAST-41 program. The FAST-41 Covered Projects section specifically lists projects covered under this initiative, which aims to expedite the permitting process for qualifying infrastructure, potentially including significant pipeline developments.

D. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is crucial in regulating the environmental aspects of pipeline projects. Their Regulations Website provides access to the EPA's regulations, found in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). This website also includes Federal Register notices and tools for tracking the development of new regulations. For pipeline projects, understanding the EPA's environmental regulations is essential for compliance. The EPA also offers specific information on Controlling Air Pollution from Oil and Natural Gas Operations. This section details regulations aimed at reducing air pollutants, including methane, from the oil and gas sector, which encompasses pipeline infrastructure. Furthermore, the EPA's Oil and Gas Sector Information page provides a broader overview of the agency's work with this industry, including links to regulatory details and other relevant resources. For major pipeline projects requiring federal approval, Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) are often necessary. The EPA's EIS Database is a valuable resource for finding information about these assessments, including those related to pipeline projects. The database contains records of EISs filed with the EPA since 1987, with electronic versions available for documents received since October 2012.

E. U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is a primary source for independent statistics and analysis on all facets of energy. Their homepage serves as a gateway to a vast array of energy-related data, analysis, maps, and other resources. For tracking pipeline projects, the EIA offers several key sections. The Natural Gas Data section provides comprehensive data on natural gas, including a dedicated "Natural Gas Pipeline Projects" tracker that offers information on announced and under-construction projects. Similarly, the Petroleum & Other Liquids Data section includes a "Liquids Pipeline Projects Database" with details on completed, under construction, and announced projects for crude oil, petroleum products, and hydrocarbon gas liquids. The EIA's Maps section features various energy-related maps, including those depicting petroleum and natural gas pipeline infrastructure across the United States. Finally, the EIA's "Today in Energy" provides short, timely articles and analyses on current energy topics, often including updates and insights on pipeline projects and infrastructure developments.

Other Official.gov Resources

Beyond the primary agencies, other government websites offer valuable information. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) provides U.S. Petroleum and Natural Gas Pipelines Maps through its Geospatial Portal offering another perspective on the nation's pipeline infrastructure. The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices from all federal agencies, including those related to the pipeline industry. GovInfo, the website for the U.S. Government Publishing Office, provides access to official government publications, including the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) which contains the codified regulations for pipeline safety from DOT/PHMSA (Title 49), FERC (Title 18), and EPA (Title 40).

Key.org Resources

Several non-profit and industry organizations also provide significant online resources for staying informed about pipeline projects. The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) represents the majority of interstate natural gas transmission pipeline companies and offers information on various aspects of the industry, including projects. The Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA) focuses on companies operating liquid energy pipelines, providing resources and news related to this sector. The Pipeline Safety Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting pipeline safety through education and advocacy, offering resources for the public and tracking pipeline incidents. Similarly, the Pipeline Safety Coalition advocates for pipeline safety in the public interest, focusing on the entire lifecycle of pipeline infrastructure.

Summary of Key Online Resources

PHMSA Homepage | https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/ | Pipeline safety regulations, enforcement, and data | Overview of PHMSA's role, links to news, regulations, data, and safety programs.
FERC Homepage | https://www.ferc.gov/ | Regulation of interstate natural gas, oil, and electricity transmission | Overview of FERC's role in pipeline approvals.
FERC Online (eLibrary) | https://elibrary.ferc.gov/ | Access to FERC filings and documents | Detailed information on specific pipeline projects, including applications, environmental reviews, and public comments.
Permitting Dashboard | https://www.permits.performance.gov/ | Tracking federal permitting progress for infrastructure projects | Permitting timelines and status for covered projects.
EPA Regulations | https://www.epa.gov/laws-regulations/regulations | Environmental regulations | Access to EPA regulations relevant to pipeline environmental impact.
EIA Natural Gas Data (Pipeline Projects) | https://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/data.php#pipelines | Data and analysis on natural gas, including pipeline projects | Information on announced and under-construction natural gas pipeline projects.
EIA Petroleum & Other Liquids Data (Pipelines) | https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/data.php#pipelines | Data and analysis on petroleum liquids, including pipeline projects | Information on announced, under-construction, and completed petroleum liquids pipeline projects.
NPMS Public Viewer | https://pvnpms.phmsa.dot.gov/PublicViewer/ | Interactive map of pipelines | Visual representation of gas transmission and hazardous liquid pipelines, LNG plants, and breakout tanks.
INGAA Homepage | https://ingaa.org/ | Information from the interstate natural gas pipeline industry | Industry news, information on pipeline safety, environment, and construction.
Pipeline Safety Trust | https://pstrust.org/ | Pipeline safety advocacy and education | Resources for the public, incident tracking, and advocacy information.
PHMSA Pipeline Construction Section | https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/pipeline-construction/pipeline-construction | Information on pipeline construction | Details on pipeline construction phases, inspection activities, and related resources.
FERC Major Pipeline Projects Pending | https://www.ferc.gov/industries-data/natural-gas/major-pipeline-projects-pending | List of pending major natural gas pipeline projects | Details on applicants, project names, states involved, timelines, capacity, and compression for projects under FERC review.
EPA Controlling Air Pollution from Oil and Natural Gas Operations | https://www.epa.gov/controlling-air-pollution-oil-and-natural-gas-operations | EPA regulations on air pollution from oil and natural gas operations | Specific regulations and actions related to reducing air emissions, including methane, from the oil and gas sector, relevant to pipeline infrastructure.
EIA Maps Section | https://www.eia.gov/maps/ | Energy-related maps, including pipelines | Visual representations of petroleum and natural gas pipeline infrastructure across the U.S.
Federal Register | https://www.federalregister.gov/ | Official publication of federal agency rules, proposed rules, and notices | Authoritative source for tracking regulatory changes and proposed actions from PHMSA, FERC, and EPA related to the pipeline industry.
GovInfo | https://www.govinfo.gov/ | Access to official U.S. government publications | Access to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) containing codified pipeline safety regulations from various federal agencies.
LEPA Homepage | https://liquidenergypipelines.org/ | Information from the liquid energy pipeline industry | Resources and news related to the benefits, safety, and sustainability of transporting liquid fuels via pipelines.
PHMSA Enforcement Data | https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/enforcement-data/ | Details on PHMSA's enforcement activities | Reports and records on enforcement cases, actions taken, case status, and civil penalties involving pipeline operators.
PHMSA Special Permits Issued | https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline/special-permits-state-waivers/special-permits-issued | List of special permits issued by PHMSA | Information on operators, pipeline systems, docket numbers, and issue dates for special permits granted by PHMSA.
Pipeline Safety Coalition | https://pipelinesafetycoalition.org/ | Pipeline safety advocacy and public interest information | Information, engagement opportunities, and advocacy resources related to pipeline safety across the entire lifecycle of pipeline infrastructure.

V. Additional Resources for Staying Informed

For those seeking information on intrastate pipeline projects or local details, state-level pipeline safety agencies, such as the Railroad Commission of Texas can be valuable resources. Additionally, environmental organizations like the Environmental Integrity Project, FracTracker Alliance , and Earthjustice often track pipeline projects and provide analysis of their potential environmental impacts. While their focus may not be solely on project tracking for staying "in the loop," they offer a different set of perspectives and information. Finally, utilizing news aggregators and setting up alerts for relevant keywords such as "pipeline project," "pipeline construction," and specific project names can help individuals stay informed about the latest developments in the pipeline industry.

VI. Conclusion

Staying informed about pipeline projects in the USA requires leveraging a diverse range of online resources. The federal government, through agencies like PHMSA, FERC, EPA, and EIA, provides a wealth of official data, regulations, and project-specific information. Industry associations and advocacy groups offer valuable perspectives and analysis from different viewpoints. By utilizing a combination of these resources, as highlighted in the summary table, stakeholders can gain a comprehensive understanding of the pipeline industry and track the development of specific projects of interest. It is recommended that individuals explore these resources further based on their specific information needs and the particular aspects of the pipeline industry they wish to monitor.

VII. List of URLs

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