The power of eminent domain is crucial to the government's ability to take private property for public use. However, in Texas, private entities may also be authorized to exercise eminent domain under certain circumstances. Private entities may use eminent domain to...
Texas Energy Law Blog
How more renewable energy can help stabilize the Texas grid
Although Texas may be one of the biggest producers of energy in the United States in terms of both crude oil and renewable energy, the electrical grid across the state is notoriously unstable. Snow and ice storms and intense periods of demand during the summer heat...
How common is onshore wind energy?
When considering wind energy collection systems, there are two main types of systems that are in use. The first is a developed type of technology known as onshore wind energy. The other is offshore wind energy, and it is considered to be an expanding and emerging...
Could rare local birds affect your solar power plans?
Many kinds of endangered animals and migratory songbirds live in or travel through Texas. Raptors like bald eagles and black hawks, which are also classified as threatened, have federal protection, as so many other birds. The Southwestern Willow Flycatcher, the...
Is an eminent domain offer for your home far too low?
When your house is in the path of a public project, like a highway expansion, your ownership rights could be at risk. Texas state law permits the condemnation of private property to complete projects that will benefit the public. Property owners will receive an offer...
What is an oil or gas lease on your land actually worth?
One of the reasons that Texas is a leader in oil and gas production within the United States is that there are abundant natural deposits of these valuable resources. Oil and gas companies frequently execute speculative leases with property owners to make use of those...
Could your neighbor stop you from installing turbines?
Energy production is big business in Texas. Many people negotiate leases for oil and gas extraction purposes. In fact, many people with such leases never even see a well installed on their property. The companies merely secure the right to extraction, should they...
Do you have to sell land to benefit from solar energy production?
Texas is a state rich in opportunities for energy production, including both traditional petroleum-based energy and renewable energy like wind and solar. Thousands of homeowners across the state sign leases for oil and gas companies to put wells out on their property....
2 ways to respond to eminent domain claims in Texas
Eminent domain rules are important for the overall benefit of the public. When there is a necessary infrastructure project, like a highway expansion or a fuel transportation line, the companies or state agencies organizing these projects can use eminent domain to...
Can you turn solar power into a source of household income?
Texas has the potential to truly become an energy powerhouse. Obviously, the state has a significant amount of oil and gas reserves, and many property owners sign leases with companies granting them mineral rights to the property. However, with active wind patterns...
