As large-scale pipeline projects do not typically start their journey with physical construction, progress toward construction is determined early on in the process through documentation, reviews, and regulatory approvals. At this time, Kinder Morgan’s proposed Mississippi Crossing pipeline is beginning the critical phase of determining if the project will proceed at all.
A formal step that moves the project into review
Some time ago, Kinder Morgan filed a formal request with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), through its Tennessee Gas Pipeline subsidiary, to initiate the review process for the proposed Mississippi Crossing Project. The request, referred to as a certificate of public convenience and necessity, is a formal step that begins the federal review process after discussion and planning regarding the project are complete.
This request did not allow for construction to begin. However, it signified that the project design, routing, and preliminary stakeholder involvement progressed to a level that formal evaluations may occur. The project then proceeded to a structured evaluation process consisting of environmental assessment, coordination with other agencies, and public input.
The project has now reached the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) phase. A draft EIS was issued on January 30, 2026.
What does the Mississippi Crossing Project propose?
The proposed Mississippi Crossing Project is a pipeline system that will transport natural gas from Mississippi into various markets throughout the Southeast. According to Kinder Morgan, the project will consist of approximately 200 miles of new pipeline and additional compression and interconnection facilities to link up with current systems.
If approved, the pipeline will start in Greenville, Mississippi, and travel eastward to Butler, Alabama, connecting with major downstream systems. The route chosen for the pipeline is indicative of Kinder Morgan’s efforts to expand natural gas transportation capacity while utilizing current routes and connection points whenever possible.
At this time, the specific details of the proposed project are a part of the overall proposal and could potentially be modified during the course of the regulatory process.
Why is this application important now?
Upon filing the FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) application, the project will begin to be evaluated as opposed to merely being considered. Following the filing of the FERC application, the project will initiate the environmental assessment/evaluation process.
The project will also be placed on a publicly available timeline for evaluation that follows the requirements of the Federal Permitting Process. Recently, the Mississippi Crossing Project has been listed on the FAST-41 federal permitting dashboard. The purpose of listing the project on the FAST-41 dashboard is to improve interagency coordination and provide greater transparency with regard to the review timeframe.
The project represents solutions to some of the broader regional issues facing the Southeast, as far as the region’s energy market, including reliability and long-term capacity and demand. While there are an extensive number of natural gas pipelines currently installed throughout the Southeast, the continuing increase in industrial use and electric generating equipment is continually testing the limit of the existing system. In the end, the regulatory review will determine if the proposed solution for the pipeline is viable.
A process defined by deliberation rather than speed
Federal approvals for pipelines do not typically rely upon a single filing. Rather, they evolve over a series of months as analysis, comment periods, and revisions take place. Even though Kinder Morgan has submitted a formal application, it must still navigate environmental assessments and respond to stakeholder concerns before the ultimate decision is made regarding the project.
The submission of an official application to build the Mississippi Crossing natural gas pipeline is a planned and important step in developing the pipeline. Submission of the application does not guarantee that the pipeline will be approved or built. However, submission of the application will provide the foundation upon which decisions regarding whether or not the pipeline is approved or denied will be based.
