What someone invests in real property can be a bid for a brighter future with hopes for a long-term return on that investment. For many others, their mortgage could be as much as 30% of their monthly income, and they may spend even more than that trying to improve and...
When can a private entity exercise eminent domain?
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...
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...
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 an oil and gas company force me to sell my land?
If you live in West Texas or southeastern New Mexico, you may have been contacted by an oil and gas company that wants to build new facilities or extend existing facilities here in the Permian Basin. In both states, power companies often have the power of eminent...
I’ve just received a condemnation notice. What does it mean?
If you’re a landowner in west Texas or eastern New Mexico, you may have received a notice from an energy company saying that your land will be condemned. Condemnation is another word for the power of eminent domain. Eminent domain is the government’s authority to...
Can an energy company take my land for its project?
Generally, yes, although they have to provide you with just compensation. In Texas, energy companies have the power of eminent domain when building or operating public projects. In New Mexico, oil and gas pipelines have clear eminent domain authority, and renewables...
Is it possible to give just part of my land in eminent domain?
In Texas, many energy companies have the power of eminent domain, or “condemnation.” This means that they can take your property as long as it is put to a public use and you receive just compensation for it. In West Texas, companies often propose to take individual...
What rights do Texas landowners have against energy condemnation?
When energy companies want to use your land for a public project, you may have heard that they have the power of eminent domain. That’s true, but it doesn’t mean you have no rights. In Texas, many oil and gas pipelines, wind power companies and solar power concerns...
Can you challenge property condemnation in Texas?
As Texas continues to grow, its need for basic infrastructure continues to grow. The need for roads, highways, rail lines, energy pipelines, electric transmission lines and other public projects has led the state to delegate its power of eminent domain to certain...
