Williams Eyes 2027 Constitution Pipeline Startup

Federal regulators reopen review of long-delayed natural gas project

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:26pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal pipe fitting, a wrench, and a blueprint scroll, symbolizing the engineering and infrastructure challenges of building new natural gas pipelines.A conceptual still life highlighting the technical and regulatory complexities of constructing new natural gas pipelines in the Northeast.University of Virginia Today

Williams Companies Inc. is targeting a 2027 startup for its long-delayed Constitution Pipeline project after federal regulators agreed to reopen their review of the proposed natural gas transmission line that would run from Pennsylvania to New York. The company said it is working to address outstanding regulatory hurdles and secure the necessary approvals to begin construction.

Why it matters

The Constitution Pipeline has faced numerous setbacks over the past decade, including permit denials and legal challenges from environmental groups. Its completion could help ease natural gas supply constraints and high energy costs in the New England region, which has struggled with pipeline capacity issues in recent years.

The details

Williams said it is working closely with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to address outstanding issues and secure the necessary approvals to begin construction on the 124-mile pipeline. The company previously estimated the project would cost $683 million to build. If approved, the pipeline would transport natural gas from the Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania to a hub in Schoharie County, New York.

  • Williams first proposed the Constitution Pipeline in 2013.
  • In 2016, New York state denied a key water quality permit for the project, effectively blocking its construction.
  • In 2020, FERC rejected Williams' request to extend the construction timeline for the pipeline.
  • In April 2026, FERC agreed to reopen its review of the Constitution Pipeline project.

The players

Williams Companies Inc.

A major U.S. energy infrastructure company that develops and operates natural gas and oil pipelines, as well as other midstream assets.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“We are working closely with FERC to address the outstanding issues and secure the necessary approvals to begin construction on the Constitution Pipeline.”

— Williams spokesperson

What’s next

FERC is expected to make a decision on whether to approve the Constitution Pipeline project by the end of 2026, paving the way for a potential 2027 startup.

The takeaway

The revival of the Constitution Pipeline project highlights the ongoing challenges of building new natural gas infrastructure in the Northeast, where environmental concerns and regulatory hurdles have often delayed or blocked such projects. If approved, the pipeline could help alleviate energy supply and cost issues in the region, but its path forward remains uncertain.