Core Insights - Growing domestic and export demand for natural gas in the Permian region is driving pipeline developers to invest in new capacity in the U.S. Gulf Coast [1] - The favorable regulatory environment in Texas and Louisiana, along with federal support for energy projects, is facilitating the development of new pipelines [2] - A total of 12 new or expanded gas pipeline projects are expected to be completed next year, increasing the Gulf Coast's capacity by 13% [3] - This expansion represents the largest increase in pipeline capacity in a single year since the shale gas boom began in 2008 [4] - Companies have committed $50 billion to invest in new gas pipelines, adding 8,800 miles of pipeline across the U.S. [5] - The current pipeline expansion is being driven by LNG exporters and utilities, marking a shift from the traditional producer-led investment model [6][7]