What is Transco SSEP?
- Williams Companies, which operates a network of national pipelines, has applied to build the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, one of the largest pipelines by volume proposed in a decade.
- The project would expand its Transco network of high pressure, methane gas pipelines in five states: VA, NC, SC, GA, and AL.
- SSEP would pump 1.6 billion cubic feet of methane gas per day through a 42 inch diameter pipeline. That is the same as trying to move 18,123 full Olympic sized swimming pools through a hula hoop per day.
- SSEP includes compressor station expansions, and the horrible air quality and health impacts that come with them.
- About 93% of the gas will go to three large companies and be used for power generation.
- A recent report by Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis found that the rush to build fossil fuel infrastructure in the Southeast, including SSEP, is in large part due to data center demand and is at risk of being overbuilt, based on their findings.
FERC Authorizes SSEP
January 29, 2026
On Thursday, January 29th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized the dangerous, expensive, and unnecessary Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, or SSEP.
What do the People say?
Several of the North Carolina communities threatened by the proposed SSEP have passed resolutions of opposition or concern, including the cities of Midway, Lexington, and Greensboro; and Forsyth, Davidson and Guilford counties.
Thousands of people have submitted public comments opposing the pipeline throughout its permitting process, including hundreds of North Carolinians who opposed state air and water authorizations. A group of more than three dozen North Carolina state and federal elected officials also submitted a letter opposing the project, urging the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and FERC to deny SSEP’s water permit. A dozen Virginia legislators also weighed in to oppose the project.
Our Continued Mission
Our fight doesn't stop. Our NoSSEP Coalition will continue to support efforts to keep frontline communities safe. Please see the comments from organizational leaders by following this link or scrolling below.
Stay tuned for upcoming community events and opportunities to learn and build resilience. Communities Over Pipelines!
Statements from Our Coalition Leaders
“FERC is nothing if not consistent in its box-checking approach to considering public opposition and then approving more climate-wrecking fossil fuel expansion. We will not be complicit in either the destruction of water and land or the march toward an unlivable future and will continue to organize with the most directly-impacted people to keep our communities safe.”
“FERC’s authorization of the SSEP raises serious concerns for Indigenous communities, frontline neighborhoods, and the lands and waters that sustain them. This pipeline threatens ancestral territories, cultural landscapes, and communities already facing disproportionate health and environmental burdens. Once again, federal regulators have chosen corporate profit over human rights, climate responsibility, and Indigenous sovereignty. Our communities have said no—clearly, repeatedly, and collectively—and we will continue to resist the sacrifice of our lands and lives for fossil fuel expansion.”
“FERC’s authorization of the SSEP raises serious concerns for Indigenous communities, frontline neighborhoods, and the lands and waters that sustain them. This pipeline threatens ancestral territories, cultural landscapes, and communities already facing disproportionate health and environmental burdens. Once again, federal regulators have chosen corporate profit over human rights, climate responsibility, and Indigenous sovereignty. Our communities have said no—clearly, repeatedly, and collectively—and we will continue to resist the sacrifice of our lands and lives for fossil fuel expansion.”
~ Russell Chisholm, Managing Director of Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights
“FERC’s authorization of the SSEP raises serious concerns for Indigenous communities, frontline neighborhoods, and the lands and waters that sustain them. This pipeline threatens ancestral territories, cultural landscapes, and communities already facing disproportionate health and environmental burdens. Once again, federal regulators have chosen corporate profit over human rights, climate responsibility, and Indigenous sovereignty. Our communities have said no—clearly, repeatedly, and collectively—and we will continue to resist the sacrifice of our lands and lives for fossil fuel expansion.”
“FERC’s authorization of the SSEP raises serious concerns for Indigenous communities, frontline neighborhoods, and the lands and waters that sustain them. This pipeline threatens ancestral territories, cultural landscapes, and communities already facing disproportionate health and environmental burdens. Once again, federal regulators have chosen corporate profit over human rights, climate responsibility, and Indigenous sovereignty. Our communities have said no—clearly, repeatedly, and collectively—and we will continue to resist the sacrifice of our lands and lives for fossil fuel expansion.”
“FERC’s authorization of the SSEP raises serious concerns for Indigenous communities, frontline neighborhoods, and the lands and waters that sustain them. This pipeline threatens ancestral territories, cultural landscapes, and communities already facing disproportionate health and environmental burdens. Once again, federal regulators have chosen corporate profit over human rights, climate responsibility, and Indigenous sovereignty. Our communities have said no—clearly, repeatedly, and collectively—and we will continue to resist the sacrifice of our lands and lives for fossil fuel expansion.”
~ Dr. Crystal A. Cavalier-Keck, Executive Director of 7 Directions of Service
"This decision is a setback for the Haw River watershed and the communities and ecosystems that depend on our river. Pipeline construction through the Haw watershed threatens streams, wetlands, and drinking water sources with sediment pollution and toxic contaminants from pipeline coatings, and destroys critical stream and wetland habitats. While we are disappointed, our commitment is unwavering. We will continue to protect the Haw River and our tributaries, and stand with our communities impacted by this unnecessary pipeline project.”
“FERC’s authorization of the SSEP raises serious concerns for Indigenous communities, frontline neighborhoods, and the lands and waters that sustain them. This pipeline threatens ancestral territories, cultural landscapes, and communities already facing disproportionate health and environmental burdens. Once again, federal regulators have chosen corporate profit over human rights, climate responsibility, and Indigenous sovereignty. Our communities have said no—clearly, repeatedly, and collectively—and we will continue to resist the sacrifice of our lands and lives for fossil fuel expansion.”
“FERC’s decision ignores the vocal opposition of thousands of people along the proposed route of SSEP who are tirelessly fighting against this dangerous project. From individual homeowners to city councils and county commissioners to state and federal legislators, it’s clear that the communities that would be harmed by this project are not willing to sacrifice their health and environment for fossil fuel profits. With this authorization, SSEP now has the right to take private property to build a pipeline that no one wants. We cannot allow our communities to be threatened and our streams and rivers to be polluted in the pursuit of pipeline profits.”
~ Emily Sutton, Haw Riverkeeper and Executive Director of Haw River Assembly
“FERC’s decision ignores the vocal opposition of thousands of people along the proposed route of SSEP who are tirelessly fighting against this dangerous project. From individual homeowners to city councils and county commissioners to state and federal legislators, it’s clear that the communities that would be harmed by this project are not willing to sacrifice their health and environment for fossil fuel profits. With this authorization, SSEP now has the right to take private property to build a pipeline that no one wants. We cannot allow our communities to be threatened and our streams and rivers to be polluted in the pursuit of pipeline profits.”
“FERC’s decision ignores the vocal opposition of thousands of people along the proposed route of SSEP who are tirelessly fighting against this dangerous project. From individual homeowners to city councils and county commissioners to state and federal legislators, it’s clear that the communities that would be harmed by this project are not willing to sacrifice their health and environment for fossil fuel profits. With this authorization, SSEP now has the right to take private property to build a pipeline that no one wants. We cannot allow our communities to be threatened and our streams and rivers to be polluted in the pursuit of pipeline profits.”
“FERC’s decision ignores the vocal opposition of thousands of people along the proposed route of SSEP who are tirelessly fighting against this dangerous project. From individual homeowners to city councils and county commissioners to state and federal legislators, it’s clear that the communities that would be harmed by this project are not willing to sacrifice their health and environment for fossil fuel profits. With this authorization, SSEP now has the right to take private property to build a pipeline that no one wants. We cannot allow our communities to be threatened and our streams and rivers to be polluted in the pursuit of pipeline profits.”
~ Caroline Hansley, Campaign Organizing Strategist for the Sierra Club
“FERC's decision to grant a certificate for the SSEP endangers the communities, natural habitats, and water resources in the pipeline's path. This overbuilding of methane gas infrastructure will increase customer bills and threaten communities’ access to clean air and water.”
“FERC’s decision ignores the vocal opposition of thousands of people along the proposed route of SSEP who are tirelessly fighting against this dangerous project. From individual homeowners to city councils and county commissioners to state and federal legislators, it’s clear that the communities that would be harmed by this project are not willing to sacrifice their health and environment for fossil fuel profits. With this authorization, SSEP now has the right to take private property to build a pipeline that no one wants. We cannot allow our communities to be threatened and our streams and rivers to be polluted in the pursuit of pipeline profits.”
“FERC's decision to grant a certificate for the SSEP endangers the communities, natural habitats, and water resources in the pipeline's path. This overbuilding of methane gas infrastructure will increase customer bills and threaten communities’ access to clean air and water.”
~ Juhi Modi, North Carolina Field Director for Appalachian Voices
"FERC's decision completely goes against the outcries of thousands of residents. SSEP is a dangerous and unnecessary project. We need to be moving towards affordable energy and drinking water protections, not expanding methane gas infrastructure."
“FERC’s decision ignores the vocal opposition of thousands of people along the proposed route of SSEP who are tirelessly fighting against this dangerous project. From individual homeowners to city councils and county commissioners to state and federal legislators, it’s clear that the communities that would be harmed by this project are not willing to sacrifice their health and environment for fossil fuel profits. With this authorization, SSEP now has the right to take private property to build a pipeline that no one wants. We cannot allow our communities to be threatened and our streams and rivers to be polluted in the pursuit of pipeline profits.”
“FERC's decision to grant a certificate for the SSEP endangers the communities, natural habitats, and water resources in the pipeline's path. This overbuilding of methane gas infrastructure will increase customer bills and threaten communities’ access to clean air and water.”
~ Crystal Norford, Environmental Justice Organizer/Researcher for Clean Water for North Carolina
Timeline of SSEP Opposition and Permit Approval
1/29/26: FERC Authorizes SSEP
On Thursday, January 29th, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized the dangerous, expensive, and unnecessary Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, or SSEP.
See above or press 'READ ON' for more details.
1/26/26: Lexington City Council passes a sixth resolution expressing concern on Transco’s SSEP
Lexington, North Carolina, City Council passed a resolution highlighting concerns around the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.
In the resolution, the city council urges decision-makers to fully consider the health, safety, environmental and quality-of-life concerns raised by residents and other stakeholders and to ensure that their input is reflected in any decisions made on the project. The council also requests that regulators assess alternatives to SSEP and evaluate all potential risks of this project.
12/23/25: Virginia DEQ approves Water Permits for controversial SSEP Pipeline
On Dec. 23, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality approved the Virginia Water Protection Permit and Upland Certification for the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC’s methane gas pipeline “Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.”
Most of the SSEP’s new pipe would be laid near or next to existing Transco pipelines and parts of the project cover a route similar to the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate extension. The co-location of multiple high-pressure, large-diameter pipelines is of significant concern for local residents in the impacted counties and was not adequately addressed in the DEQ’s review of the project.
12/19/25: North Carolina DEQ approves Water, Air Permits for SSEP
The NCDEQ approved the air permit on Dec. 18 and the water permit on Dec. 19. The SSEP project includes 55 miles of new pipeline proposed by Williams Transco that would run through Virginia and North Carolina, and also includes compressor station expansions.
The pipeline would cross more than 150 streams and wetlands in North Carolina, using methods that can degrade water quality, pollute drinking water sources and harm habitat for aquatic species. The proposed route crosses both Jordan Lake and Randleman Lake watersheds, which together supply drinking water to more than 1 million North Carolinians and serve as a recreational area for residents across the state.
12/9/25: Davidson County Board of Commissioners passes resolution expressing concern on SSEP
This resolution of concern comes after the board of commissioners passed a resolution in support of the project in November 2024, following a brief presentation from Transco that omitted important information about the safety, air and water quality impacts of the project. Affected residents have been sharing their personal concerns and more detailed information about how the project would hurt Davidson County. Davidson County is the fifth governing body to adopt a resolution of concern on this project.
In the new resolution, the board of commissioners cites concerns over public safety, given the residential neighborhoods and schools located within the impact radius in the case of a leak, fire or explosion. SSEP would run under three existing pipelines just 1,000 feet from Wallburg Elementary School. The commissioners encouraged the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to deny approval of the project and its required permits until they fully consider Davidson County residents’ concerns, thoroughly evaluate all potential risks and alternatives in a comprehensive Environmental Assessment, and require Transco to submit notification plans in the case of an incident.
10/8/25: Greensboro becomes fourth NC municipality to pass resolution of concern on Transco's SSEP
On Wednesday October 8th, thanks to ongoing efforts and mobilization of the NoSSEP Coalition and its many community partners, the Greensboro City Council passed a unanimous resolution of concern on the proposed Transco-Williams Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) methane gas pipeline. They urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to evaluate “all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline expansion”.
This decision follows the strong grassroots organizing that has resulted in three other unanimous, bipartisan resolutions expressing similar concerns and opposition to the proposed project from Guilford County, Forsyth County, and the Town of Midway. Similarly, more than three dozen North Carolina state legislators have asked FERC and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to deny permits for SSEP.
8/28/25: Forsyth County Commissioners pass resolution on Transco’s SSEP
Forsyth County Commissioners urged the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to deny approval of SSEP unless all of the steps they lay out have been completed: including rigorously evaluating all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline project, as well as a ‘no action’ alternative. They also asked the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to deny water and air permits.
Roughly 24 miles of pipeline could run through Forsyth, Guilford and Davidson Counties. North Carolina communities along SSEP’s proposed route already suffer from some of the worst air pollution in the state. In the Triad, an existing Transco compressor station already produces pollutants that are well known to cause harm to human health, and the SSEP expansions would only increase harmful emissions in households with more limited income. In their resolution, the Forsyth County Commissioners cited Transco facilities as having “poorer safety records” and concerns about public safety risks given the proposed proximity to Forsyth County major medical facilities including the Kernersville VA Clinic and the Novant Kernersville Medical Center, neighborhoods, and schools.
6/5/25: Guilford County Commissioners pass resolution on Transco’s SSEP
The Guilford County Commissioners unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution, asking for a more thorough analysis of the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP).
Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC — a subsidiary of Williams Companies commonly referred to as Transco — wants to construct 54 miles of methane gas pipeline and expand or modify compressor stations in five states. Guilford County is the third largest county in North Carolina, and the site of the proposed start of SSEP’s “Salem Loop,” which would add roughly 24 miles of 42-inch pipe in Guilford, Forsyth and Davidson Counties if permitted and built.
Guilford County encouraged FERC to “require a comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that rigorously evaluates all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline expansion.”
The commissioner’s focus on safety concerns comes as news comes out that the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline fired an inspector for reporting corrosion of the pipe that could have led to an explosion. MVP’s Southgate extension would run parallel to SSEP.
5/5/25: Midway Town Council passes resolution opposing Transco’s SSEP
Midway became the first municipality to pass a resolution against the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project. Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC — a subsidiary of Williams Companies, commonly referred to as Transco — wants to construct 54 miles of methane gas pipeline and increase the horsepower of compressor stations in Virginia and North Carolina.
SSEP, if permitted and built, could include 10 miles of 42-inch-wide pipeline in Davidson County and a large proposed expansion of the gas-fired compressor station off of Becky Hill Road, northwest of Lexington. The town of Midway would be directly impacted by the proposed pipeline route.
Midway Town Council voted 4-1 to oppose SSEP, citing concerns over safety and negative impacts to land and water resources. The town is seeking to invest in the expansion of Midway Town Park, which would be located in the pipeline’s evacuation zone, just 0.8 miles from the proposed route. Also, the proposed compressor station expansion would increase harmful air pollution in an area that is already burdened by pollutants that can lead to adverse health problems. The town council asked Transco “to thoroughly investigate the option of a no-build alternative and to publicly report the findings with full detail and transparency.”
This map is subject to change*
FERC Authorizes SSEP
On January 29th, 2026, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorized the dangerous, expensive, and unnecessary Southeast Supply Enhancement Project, or SSEP.
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