The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has begun the environmental review process for a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion in Mississippi, inviting the public and government agencies to submit comments on potential environmental issues.

The review concerns the planned Line 31 Expansion Project, proposed by Texas Eastern Transmission, LP. The project would involve constructing and operating new pipeline and related facilities in Madison and Hinds counties. Regulators will use the environmental review to determine whether the project qualifies for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, a key approval required for interstate natural gas infrastructure.

As part of the process, FERC has opened a “scoping period,” during which the public can identify environmental concerns that should be studied before a decision is made. Comments must be submitted to the commission by April 3, 2026.

Pipeline and facility additions proposed

According to project details filed with the commission, Texas Eastern plans to install about 10.2 miles of 36-inch-diameter pipeline forming a loop along its existing Line 31 system. The proposal also includes about 1.6 miles of 16-inch pipeline known as the Line 14-P Lateral, designed to connect with other segments of the company’s pipeline network and extend south to a planned power generation facility.

Additional infrastructure would include the Ridgeline Compressor Station, equipped with three compressor units, as well as a new meter and regulator station near the pipeline interconnection. Other aboveground components such as valves, inspection gauge equipment, and corrosion protection systems would also be installed.

If constructed, the project would add up to 125,000 dekatherms per day of natural gas transportation capacity to a section of Texas Eastern’s mainline pipeline network. The new lateral pipeline will connect the system directly to Entergy Mississippi, LLC’s proposed Traceview Advanced Power Station, allowing the facility to receive natural gas from the pipeline network operated by Texas Eastern Transmission, LP, a subsidiary of Enbridge.

Land use and construction footprint

Construction of the proposed facilities would temporarily disturb roughly 238 acres of land, with about 94 acres remaining in use for permanent operation once the project is completed. The remaining land would be restored after construction.

Most of the pipeline route—about 84 percent—would follow existing utility, pipeline, or roadway corridors. Although a temporary contractor yard would be located in Hinds County, the primary infrastructure is planned for Madison County.

Environmental review and public input

FERC staff will evaluate how the project could affect a range of environmental factors, including soils, water resources, wildlife, air quality, cultural resources, land use, and community impacts. Alternatives to the project and measures to reduce environmental effects will also be considered.

Following the scoping phase, the commission will decide whether to prepare an Environmental Assessment or a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement before reaching a final decision on the project.

Public comments received during the current scoping period will help guide the scope of that environmental analysis.

FERC has also recently opened environmental review for another major Midwest project, Southern Star’s Viola Natural Gas Pipeline Expansion in Kansas. Like Line 31, the Viola project strengthens regional energy infrastructure and supports growing natural gas demand. These parallel reviews show active federal oversight of significant pipeline developments across the United States.

Additionally; Just as the CP2 LNG project in Louisiana strengthens the U.S. natural gas export network, the Line 31 Expansion ensures reliable supply to domestic energy consumers, including Entergy Mississippi’s upcoming Traceview power station. Together, these projects illustrate the continued development of regional natural gas infrastructure.

Project Fact Sheet – Line 31 Expansion Project in Mississippi

Developer: Texas Eastern Transmission, LP

Regulatory Authority: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Project Location: Madison County and Hinds County, Mississippi, United States

Main Project Components

Construction of about 10.2 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline (Line 31 Pipeline Loop)

Construction of about 1.6 miles of 16-inch pipeline (Line 14-P Lateral)

Development of the Ridgeline Compressor Station with three compressor units

Installation of the Ridgeland Meter and Regulator Station

Additional infrastructure such as valves, pig launcher/receivers, and corrosion protection systems

Pipeline Connections

The Line 31 loop will connect with existing Lines 14 and 18

The Line 14-P Lateral will extend south to connect with the proposed Traceview Advanced Power Station

Purpose of the Project

Increase natural gas transportation capacity on Texas Eastern’s pipeline system

Provide fuel supply for new power generation infrastructure

Added Gas Capacity

Up to 125,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) of additional firm transportation capacity

Land Requirements

About 238 acres temporarily disturbed during construction

About 94 acres required for permanent operations

Around 84% of the route follows existing utility or pipeline corridors

Project Team

Texas Eastern Transmission, LP – pipeline developer and operator

Enbridge – parent company overseeing project

Entergy Mississippi, LLC – gas customer and power plant developer

FERC – regulator conducting environmental review and approvals

Current Stage

Environmental review process underway

FERC has opened a public scoping period to collect environmental comments

Public Comment Deadline: April 3, 2026

Next Steps

FERC will analyze environmental impacts

An Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared

Regulators will then decide whether the project receives a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity.