Environmental Issues: Transwestern Pipeline Co., LLC, Planned Desert Southwest Expansion Project

The Lower San Pedro Watershed Alliance, a 501c3 non-profit, opposes the Desert Southwest Expansion Project pipeline due to its potential for serious ecological damage, air pollution, and threats to culturally significant Tribal lands. They request that FERC investigate cleaner energy alternatives, construction techniques that avoid river impacts, and alternate routes outside of the sensitive San Pedro River watershed.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is expressing significant concerns regarding the proposed Desert Southwest Expansion Project due to its potential for cumulative environmental harm in the sensitive Muleshoe Cooperative Management Area. They argue that the pipeline could cause irreversible damage to critical watersheds, endangered species habitats, and long-term conservation investments, and they urge agencies to prioritize rigorous alternatives evaluation and robust mitigation measures.

Todd Cooley, a private landowner in Coolidge, Arizona, supports the project but requests that the pipeline be routed within or adjacent to the existing Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. He argues that this specific routing would minimize the negative impacts of bisecting private property.

Dominic Graziani, representing the Bureau of Reclamation - Phoenix area office (PXAO), is requesting to be a cooperating agency in the NEPA process. He notes that the proposed pipeline would cross the Central Arizona Project, which falls under their area of responsibility.

Linda M. White, a local landowner, opposes the proposed Desert Southwest Expansion Project due to concerns over land disturbance, water resource protection, and local infrastructure strain. She requests a rigorous NEPA review and a detailed map of the proposed route through Luna County.

Robert M. Rafferty, a resident and community advocate, opposes the proposed Desert Southwest Expansion Project due to concerns over water table vulnerability, strain on rural emergency services, seismic hazards, and ecosystem damage. He requests that the Commission compel the company to provide more rigorous environmental impact models and specific mitigation requirements.

Conor Flynn, a private resident of Prescott, AZ, opposes the proposed pipeline route because it crosses the Nature Conservancy’s Muleshoe ranch. He argues that the pipeline should instead follow existing disturbed rights-of-way to avoid sensitive environmental areas.