When it comes to the construction of TransCanada’s Keystone XL Pipeline in East Texas, landowners have a split opinion. While people like Gabe Cordova recognize the dangers in the type of oil proposed to be transferred through the pipeline in his backyard, there are others like Marshall Treadwell who are not bothered by the presence of another pipeline on their land through an existing energy carrier. So is it resignation that allows for this acceptance? As a landowner, you have the right to fight back and attain just compensation in the Texas eminent domain process. TransCanada may offer a few thousand for your land, but is that enough to compensate for the continuous and daily fear of the potential hazards a pipeline transporting oil from tar sands? A 2010 crude oil pipeline leak in Michigan cost over $800 million to clean up, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, more than 300 people faced health problems because of this same leak. TransCanada may claim its new pipeline is less likely to leak, but even the printer in your office stops working just when you least expect it. There will always be two sides to an issue; it’s whether you’ve asked all of the right questions that will determine on which side you stand.

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