A recent survey conducted by the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association has revealed that 72 percent of Americans hold a favourable view of pipelines, with support rising to 80 percent for pipelines used to deliver energy. The findings, drawn from a sample of 3,000 U.S. consumers, underscore consistent and widespread public backing for pipeline infrastructure across various demographics.
Every day, approximately 3 million miles of underground pipelines transport oil and natural gas across the United States. These pipelines fuel vehicles, heat homes and support the production of over 6,000 everyday consumer products. Crucially, they are also recognised as the safest, most efficient and reliable method of transporting oil and gas. Industry data indicates that rail is more than 4.5 times as likely to experience incidents as pipelines, with trucks presenting even greater risks.
Much of this safety record is attributed to companies such as Energy Transfer, which operates nearly 140,000 miles of pipeline across 44 states. Through the use of advanced satellite systems and round-the-clock control centres, these pipelines are continuously monitored to ensure secure and efficient operations.
The LEPA survey confirms that Americans not only acknowledge the necessity of pipelines but also view them as valuable contributors to energy affordability and national infrastructure. Support was found to be particularly strong among rural landowners and blue-collar workers, though notable approval was also recorded among seniors, millennials and Generation Z — each demonstrating support rates close to 70 percent.
Respondents cited reasons such as the necessity, usefulness and overall value of pipelines, particularly for delivering reliable energy and keeping consumer costs down. Traditional energy pipelines — those transporting fuels for heating and vehicles — received the strongest endorsement, with over 70 percent in favour. Meanwhile, pipelines designed to transport captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) also received positive feedback from nearly two-thirds of those surveyed.
The study also showed that public support for pipelines increased significantly, to 63 percent, when respondents were informed that without pipelines, oil would instead be transported by trucks, trains or ships — each presenting greater risk and environmental impact.
When asked about priorities in energy infrastructure, Americans placed safety (67 percent), affordability (62 percent) and reliability (58 percent) at the top — all key attributes associated with pipeline systems.
These results highlight the continued confidence of the American public in pipelines as critical components of the country’s energy strategy. They also reinforce the mission of operators like Energy Transfer, which remains committed to safely and reliably delivering the energy that powers daily life.
For more information visit www.energytransfer.com
