Western Gateway Pipeline: A new corridor for American energy

Phillips 66 and Kinder Morgan launch binding open season for Western Gateway Pipeline

A proposed new corridor could open a vital connection between Midcontinent refineries and growing markets in Arizona and California.

Phillips 66 Pipeline and Kinder Morgan have announced the launch of a binding open season for transportation service on the Western Gateway Pipeline, a newly proposed refined products system.

WHY IT MATTERS

This project aims to enhance energy reliability and address growing demand across the West.

Western Gateway is a joint industry solution that brings together two leading midstream operators to establish a new corridor for refined products from St. Louis to California.

“It’s a powerful example of how the industry can collaborate to strengthen energy reliability and meet growing demand across the West,” said Don Baldridge, Phillips 66 executive vice president of midstream and chemicals.

“The collaboration is also benefited by utilizing existing pipeline infrastructure to provide a comprehensive supply solution for the West that meets current demand and sets the foundation for future growth,” said Mike Garthwaite, Kinder Morgan president of products pipelines.

The project would combine new-build pipeline from Borger, Texas, to Phoenix, Arizona, with a reversal of Kinder Morgan’s existing Santa Fe Pacific Products (SFPP) West Line (which currently flows from Colton, California to Phoenix) to enable east-to-west flows into California. The Phillips 66 Gold Pipeline, which currently flows from Borger to St. Louis, will also be reversed to move Midcontinent barrels toward Borger and into the Western Gateway system.

The big picture

The proposed Western Gateway project combines new and existing infrastructure to create an efficient and scalable corridor that addresses growing Arizona demand and anticipated California supply constraints.

“This project is about more than barrels — it’s about building resilience.

By connecting our midcontinent Refineries to Kinder Morgan’s Arizona and California terminals, we’re creating a corridor that’s not only efficient but scalable, with further optionality into Nevada.”

Michael Andrew – Managing director of midstream commercial and business development

“That optionality and scalability which allows barrels to move beyond the Phoenix market is what sets this project apart from other announced projects to Phoenix,” said Mike Garthwaite. 

The pipeline will be capable of supplying up to 200,000 barrels per day of Midcontinent refined products into Arizona, replacing volumes currently sourced from California and increasing supply availability for in-state markets.

WHAT’S NEXT

Phillips 66 will lead construction of the new pipeline and Kinder Morgan will have primary operating responsibility.

“Western Gateway will be built with the same rigor and care that reflect our core values — delivering safe, reliable fuel across the region,” said Bill Johnson, vice president of midstream operations. “Safety is where we begin, and it guides every decision we make.”

Kinder Morgan Products Pipelines Chief Operating Officer Josh Etzel added, “Our role in the Western Gateway Pipeline reflects our commitment to developing and operating reliable energy infrastructure with the highest standards of safety and performance. We’re proud to bring our proven expertise to a project that will enhance energy access and resilience across the Southwest and California.”

Western Gateway is expected to be completed by 2029, pending the receipt of all permits and regulatory approvals.

“This is a step toward securing reliable energy for the West,” Baldridge said. “Western Gateway is a testament to our ability to integrate assets, collaborate across the industry and deliver solutions that meet growing demand while minimizing risk.”