| The Rockies Express pipelines represent one of the | | | | Mid-Continent, Canada and imports of liquefied natural |
| most challenging long-term projects that have been put | | | | gas (LNG). But these supplies are diminishing |
| into practice in North America. Summing up 1,678 miles, | | | | significantly and steadily because of several factors. |
| the project involves the necessary infrastructure for | | | | One example would be hurricanes which have |
| producers in the Rocky Mountains to evaluate their | | | | permanently been affecting America lately. This |
| assets at their true value. To state it clear, this means | | | | situation rose the necessity of an extra source of |
| the great possibility to deliver natural gas to businesses | | | | natural gas for the country. |
| in key regions of the country: East and Midwest. The | | | | The second reason for Kinder Morgan pipelines to be |
| project is also referred to as Kinder Morgan pipelines | | | | built is constituted by Wyoming that is claimed to be |
| owing to the main associate in the project who | | | | the first region as far as the growth of natural gas |
| provides most of the finances.. | | | | supplies is concerned. It currently occupies the third |
| The pipelines start their way at Meeker Hub in Rio | | | | place among the natural gas producers whose |
| Blanco County, Colorado and they go as far as the | | | | supplies are mostly exported. Actually, only 5% of the |
| Clarington Hub in eastern Ohio. A great characteristic is | | | | total amount of production is provided to American |
| that the Rockies Express pipelines try to go in parallel | | | | consumers. Moreover, constant production of natural |
| with already existing service passages as much as | | | | gas is developing in Utah and Colorado. For all this |
| possible. The immediate consequence is the significant | | | | quantity of natural gas up-to-date pipelines are a must. |
| abridgement in costs that are normally necessary to | | | | Another reason for which the infrastructure should be |
| acquire additional right-of-way. But they are also | | | | enlarged is represented by the estimated figures of |
| important insofar as avoiding disruptions is concerned. | | | | natural gas demand. Experts claim it to rise up to 50% |
| The Kinder Morgan pipelines have already | | | | by 2020. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the |
| accomplished part of the project, meaning 136 miles, | | | | American consumers to have a stable and secure |
| which have been approved in February 2006, | | | | supply or natural gas. And this can be attained by |
| completed recently and it is already being used. This | | | | means of the Rockies Express pipelines. As a matter |
| specific sector starts from the Meeker Hub in Rio | | | | of fact, it is projected to transport 1.8 billion cubic feet |
| Blanco County, Colorado and finishes in the | | | | of natural gas per day from Wyoming and Rocky |
| Wamsutter Hub in Sweetwater County Wyo. Another | | | | Mountain surroundings to consumers in the Midwest |
| portion of the Rockies Express pipelines has been | | | | and East. |
| approved and it is estimated to be finishes in January | | | | Last, but not least, supplementary infrastructure of the |
| 2008. The rest of the project is expected to end in | | | | Kinder Morgan pipelines system it will enable other |
| 2009. | | | | projects to be developed later on. A significantly larger |
| At the beginning, most people asked themselves why t | | | | gas market will lead to steady gas prices and revenue |
| was necessary to build the Rockies Express pipelines. | | | | stream in the States. Consequently, a steady market |
| A first answer is to serve the needs of the nation. In a | | | | of the industry will soon establish without the present |
| nutshell, consumers from Midwest and East are | | | | fluctuations. |
| provided with natural gas coming from the Gulf Coast, | | | | |