Building pipelines isn’t so easy, either. New projects are encountering more resistance over safety, fracking, and environmental concerns. It’s a way to slow the proliferation of fossil fuels, says Karthik Ganapathy, communications manager for the climate activist group 350.org. “We’re building to a place where every single new pipeline will face a backlash,” he says.

Opposition from environmentalists recently prompted Energy Transfer to scrap plans for a new gas pipeline in Michigan; instead, it contracted with Vector Pipeline to connect with existing pipe. Warrensays necessary infrastructure will get built, especially to move oil from shale deposits. “Pipelines are eminently cheaper and safer than shipping by rail,” he says. “I don’t think it’s fair for a few activists to decide what the American people want.”

Warren says he thinks Energy Transfer can more than double its pipeline mileage to 150,000 in the next 10 years. It would help, he says, if oil prices would stay low a bit longer. “The weak and the wounded will be vulnerable,” he says. “There will inevitably be those that feel they should consolidate into a more sustainable entity. We’ll be there.”

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