- First-of-its-kind study identifies routes to deliver Rockies natural gas to domestic, international markets
- Routes offer fastest, most affordable solution to meet surging energy domestic, international demand while supporting decarbonization goals
DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#LNG–The Western States and Tribal Nations (WSTN) Energy Initiative today released the “Rocky Mountain Gas Roadmap & Implementation Playbook,” a first-of-its-kind study identifying infrastructure pathways that can position Rocky Mountain natural gas as the fastest, cleanest and most cost-effective solution to meet increasing domestic and international energy needs. The analysis offers a plan that, when implemented, achieves true energy dominance without delay.
The study identifies two routes—the Pacific Northwest Pathway and the Southwest Pathway—that leverage existing infrastructure and rights-of-way to rapidly connect Rockies gas to growing markets in the U.S. These would also provide the fastest, cheapest routes to Asian markets and avoid Panama Canal delays.
The Wyoming Energy Authority, the New Mexico Economic Development Department and the Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department, the Utah Office of Energy Development, the Southern Ute Growth Fund, the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and the western Colorado counties of Garfield, Mesa, Moffat and Rio Blanco funded the study, which was developed by Guidehouse under the direction of WSTN and representatives of the participating governments. No corporations contributed funding to the report.
“This playbook is the culmination of years of work and is designed as a tool to help policymakers and commercial entities seize the major opportunities that Rockies natural gas offers to domestic markets seeking lower-carbon gas and the Asian nations that will drive global demand in the coming decades,” WSTN Chairman Jason Sandel said. “We have the gas, it’s the cleanest gas, and we can deliver it quicker than any other. This playbook shows the way to the markets that need it. Implementation of our plan is a global juggernaut checking all of the boxes by delivering clean fuel and energy security and dominance.”
The report featured at a trade summit with the Japanese Ambassador to the U.S. hosted in Santa Fe by New Mexico’s governor and the Wyoming governor, a follow-up to their trade missions to Asia earlier this year.
“New Mexico is ready to lead the way in unlocking the Rocky Mountains’ potential to create jobs and opportunity, strengthen international collaboration, and write the next chapter in global energy,” New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “Putting the Rockies’ abundant energy to work benefits red and blue states by fueling our economies and the transition to clean energy.”
“Wyoming gas is uniquely well suited for domestic use and export. Rapidly transporting Wyoming energy to key domestic and Asian markets will grow the Cowboy State economy,” Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said. “While today’s discussions often focused on gas, we also set the foundation to ensure Wyoming energy and critical minerals have increased markets.”
The study highlights multiple advantages of Rockies gas:
- Speed to Market: Existing infrastructure and rights-of-way allow for rapid expansion with minimal greenfield development, enabling the quickest path to serve both domestic and export markets.
- Cost Advantage: Rockies gas delivers competitive pricing with lower shipping costs, shorter transit times, and among the lowest pipeline tariffs in North America. Existing pipeline rights-of-way and underutilized infrastructure reduce capital costs and environmental impacts.
- Low-Carbon Leadership: Rockies producers lead the nation in methane reduction, flaring minimization, and certified gas programs, resulting in some of the lowest greenhouse gas and methane intensities in the U.S.
“The investment WSTN’s member states and tribal nations made in this study is a demonstration of a shared vision that sees natural gas as catalyst for long term stable economic development, tribal self-determination and lower global emissions,” WSTN President Andrew Browning said. “The study proves that the Rockies are ideally positioned to meet the moment that AI and data center energy demand presents at home, as well as the new global LNG dynamics. We thank our member states and tribal nations for their support, input and guidance in developing this playbook.”
The Roadmap identifies key policy actions needed to unlock these opportunities, including prioritizing Rockies gas projects that leverage existing infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes through harmonized federal, state, and tribal reviews, and enabling innovative public-private investment partnerships.
WSTN members offered their perspectives:
“Wyoming has long been a leader in delivering energy to domestic and global markets, and this playbook maps options to ensure that our contribution to domestic and world energy needs can reach the markets that need it in a robust manner for decades to come.” – Wyoming Energy Authority Executive Director Rob Creager.
“Utah is always interested in finding ways to expand our market reach. This report provides some practical ways to reach that goal while securing the high-quality of life, thriving economies, and energy superabundance that Utahns have long enjoyed.” – Utah Office of Energy Development Director Emy Lesofski.
“New Mexico is a proven leader in energy, aligning innovation, development and environmental stewardship. The states in our region have some of the cleanest natural gas in the world; together with our tribal partners, we’ve demonstrated that economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand — leading the way for sustainable energy development.” – New Mexico Secretary of Economic Development Rob Black.
“New Mexico’s natural gas can generate the high heat needed for critical clean energy technologies such as glass for solar panels and the aluminum and steel required to build out new transmission systems to support growing electricity demand. These uses, along with the factors highlighted in this report, underscore the critical role our state’s natural gas is playing in the clean energy transition.” – New Mexico Secretary of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Melanie Kenderdine.
“The Southern Ute Growth Fund proudly supports this roadmap as a reflection of our enduring commitment to responsible energy development and tribal self-determination. By building on existing infrastructure and advancing low-carbon solutions, we are creating economic opportunities for our people while contributing meaningfully to global emissions reductions,” –Southern Ute Growth Fund Executive Director Shane Seibel.
“The Jicarilla Apache Nation is pleased to have contributed to this important playbook, which will create future opportunities for our people to chart their own course – the tribal self-determination we strive toward. Our nation and our neighboring states are proof that natural gas production and environmental stewardship are not only compatible and possible, but essential to meeting the energy needs of modern economies here and overseas.” – Jicarilla Apache Nation President Adrian Notsinneh.
“Colorado’s lower carbon gas is a competitive advantage, whether driven by market demand or political preference in many of our traditional Western domestic markets. Energy and emissions know no borders nor political subdivisions – and this playbook’s approach helps chart a future that where we can optimize our success in that reality,” – Moffat County Commissioner Melody Villard, on behalf of the Colorado counties of Garfield, Mesa, Moffat and Rio Blanco.
About the Western States and Tribal Nations Energy Initiative
Western States and Tribal Nations is a unique, trans-national initiative led by state, county and sovereign tribal nation governments, focused on creating rural economic development, advancing tribal self-determination and reducing global emissions by exporting western North American natural gas to international markets that need lower-emitting fuels.
Contacts
Bryson Hull
P: 202-657-2855
