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Energy Transfer previews 520‑mile 'Desert Southwest Pipeline,' outlines FERC timeline and local outreach
Summary
Energy Transfer told the Luna County Commission the proposed Desert Southwest Pipeline would be a 48‑inch, roughly 520‑mile interstate line carrying about 1.7–2.3 billion cubic feet per day; the company said it plans FERC pre‑filing, local open houses and extensive surveys before filing for certification.
Mike Futch, head of engineering and construction for Energy Transfer, told the Luna County Commission the company is moving forward with preliminary field surveys for the proposed Desert Southwest Pipeline and expects to enter the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) pre‑filing process this year.
Futch said the project is a TransWestern Pipeline initiative: a 48‑inch diameter, roughly 520‑mile interstate pipeline designed to move about 1.7–2.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from West Texas toward Coolidge, Arizona. He said the company has completed nearly 90% of voluntary property survey permissions and is conducting pedestrian environmental and cultural surveys across the corridor.
"We conduct pedestrian surveys to check for environmental resources and cultural resources," Futch said during his presentation. He described a phased schedule that targets finishing surveys in 2026, filing for a FERC certificate in the fourth quarter of this year and, if permitted, beginning construction in 2028 with an anticipated in‑service date in late 2029.
Futch described the project’s outreach plan as including FERC‑required open houses in the local area and said the pre‑filing step will allow landowners, agencies and stakeholders to review project details and raise concerns before the certificate filing. He also said approximately 51% of the proposed route crosses publicly owned property and 49% privately owned parcels; the team reported in excess of 90% voluntary survey permissions.
The presentation included technical details requested by commissioners. Futch confirmed the pipeline diameter and flow range and said the build would include seven compressor stations; he said one compressor site is planned just outside Denning. He described an 18–22 month post‑certificate process to obtain a FERC authorization and move into construction.
Why it matters: If built, the pipeline would cross several counties—including land in New Mexico—and would give local landowners and agencies time to review route, environmental and cultural mitigation measures during the FERC process. The pre‑filing open houses and voluntary pedestrian surveys are the primary near‑term local engagement points.
What’s next: Energy Transfer said it expects to hold local open houses in April as part of the FERC pre‑filing process and to continue property and environmental surveys this year. Commissioners asked for notices of local outreach and flagged the importance of clear routes and mitigation for local impacts.
Quote: "We will be conducting open houses here in Denning," Futch said, describing the FERC pre‑filing outreach plan.
Ending: The commission did not take any formal action on the project during the meeting; Energy Transfer said more public meetings and filings would follow as the FERC process progresses.
