Texas Energy Law Blog
Securing full, just compensation in an eminent domain action
Have you received notice that your land is being taken by eminent domain? This is a process by which the government, and its delegates, forces the sale or partial sale of property for the public good. In Texas, the state itself may engage in eminent domain actions,...
Is a company or government seeking an easement on your property?
In Texas, it’s not only government entities that have the power of eminent domain. This is the power to take private property through a process called “condemnation” so that the property can be put to public use. Texas has delegated its power of eminent domain to...
How do I protect my landowner rights in a solar farm lease?
There is a “solar boom” going on in the U.S., and especially in Texas. The past several years have seen rapid technological advances, substantial cost reductions and tax credits for solar energy development. Many Texas landowners wouldn’t mind getting in on the boom,...
Do I have to allow a survey of my land by a pipeline company?
In Texas, certain pipeline companies have the power of eminent domain. Eminent domain is a sovereign’s power to take land for certain public purposes, but the sovereign (Texas) has delegated that power to pipeline companies that meet threshold requirements. It is this...
Why do you need a purpose clause in your solar energy lease?
Texas may be the best state in the nation when it comes to land appropriate for solar energy, and these have been boom times. With the proliferation of interest in leasing land for solar energy purposes, there has been a corresponding proliferation in leases. Each...
Wind energy is making a huge splash in Texas
Finding alternative energy sources is an important project within the energy field. While Texas may be known for its oil fields, at some point in the future, the oil simply will not be there anymore. This means the state has to start finding energy alternatives, and...
Contacted about installing a wind farm on your property?
Having wind turbines installed on your land can be part of a great solution for our environment. It can also be quite lucrative. Yet you need to protect your long-term financial and property interests, too. Will you be able to farm or ranch near the turbines? What...
Harnessing the power of solar leases
A solar power company comes knocking on your door, offering good money to lease some land that you’ll never miss. If it sounds too good to be true, it just might be. The Lone Star State has one of the fastest-growing solar markets in the country, and you may be asked...
Important factors to consider when signing a solar farm lease
As cities throughout Texas draw away from fossil fuel energy and move toward renewables, conditions have been ripe for landowners to participate. Many solar energy companies have sent out letters and fliers to landowners with enticing-sounding offers. Now is a great...
Asked about putting an oil or gas pipeline on your property?
It’s a boom time in Texas and the surrounding states for oil and gas energy. Lots of people are making money by selling mineral rights or allowing drilling or pipelines on their property. Have you been approached about an oil or gas project on your land? Before you...
