US Energy Regulator Calls for Expanded Pipeline Network Amid Global Shipping Crisis

FERC chair says Iran conflict underscores urgent need for more domestic energy infrastructure.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:03am

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The head of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has called for a major expansion of the United States' pipeline network, citing the devastating economic impact of the 800-ship bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Why it matters

The blockage in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint, has severely disrupted the flow of energy and goods worldwide, highlighting the vulnerability of the US energy system and the need for greater domestic energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

The details

FERC Chair Jane Doe said the Iran-related shipping crisis has "made it more clear than ever that we need more infrastructure in our country of every type and, more specifically, more pipeline infrastructure" to strengthen US energy security and resilience.

  • The Strait of Hormuz shipping bottleneck began in early 2026 as tensions escalated between the US and Iran.

The players

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The US government agency responsible for regulating the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil.

Jane Doe

The current chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

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What they’re saying

“The 800-ship bottleneck in the Strait of Hormuz devastating the global economy has made it "more clear than ever that we need more infrastructure in our country of every type and, more specifically, more pipeline infrastructure.”

— Jane Doe, Chair, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

What’s next

FERC is expected to expedite the approval process for new pipeline projects in the coming months to address the infrastructure gaps exposed by the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The takeaway

This crisis underscores the strategic importance of domestic energy infrastructure and the need to reduce US reliance on global supply chains that can be disrupted by geopolitical conflicts, highlighting the urgency for policymakers to invest in strengthening the country's energy security.