Kyle Baum, Marrs Ellis & Hodge LLP partner, was interviewed on CBS7 news regarding the upcoming DeLa Express Pipeline project crossing the State of Texas. You can watch the full interview here:
Mr. Baum warned “Any documents that landowners are asked to sign were likely drafted by the pipeline company’s lawyers, so they may not be in the owner’s best interest. That’s where an attorney can help evaluate.” He noted that “Property owners will have one opportunity to receive compensation for both the land taken and any changes that affect their property.” Even though landowners generally cannot stop a pipeline project, they are constitutionally entitled to just compensation for the part of their property taken and any reduction in value to their remaining property.
About the DeLa Express Pipeline
The DeLa Express Pipeline project, an approximately 700 mile long natural gas pipeline by Moss Lake Partners, LP, will run from west Texas into Louisiana, making it the longest natural gas pipeline in the state of Texas once built. Thousands of acres of property will be impacted in 30 counties, stretching from Reeves County (west of Odessa) to Orange County (east of Beaumont). If you are a landowner being contacted by Moss Lake Partners, LP, DeLa Express, LLC, or a right-of-way company about the DeLa Express Pipeline project, you need to speak with an attorney about your constitutional rights. It is important not to approve or sign any documentation presented to you without consulting an attorney first. This way, your rights can be fully protected.
On April 15, 2024, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission began the review process for the DeLa Express Pipeline project, which will enable the taking of private property by the power of eminent domain. This massive project will impact property owners in the following counties:
- Reeves
- Loving
- Winkler
- Ector
- Midland
- Upton
- Glasscock
- Sterling
- Coke
- Runnels
- Coleman
- Brown
- Mills
- Hamilton
- Coryell
- McLennan
- Bell
- Falls
- Milam
- Robertson
- Brazos
- Grimes
- Walker
- Montgomery
- San Jacinto
- Liberty
- Hardin
- Jefferson
- Orange
- Calcasieu (LA)
It is in your best interest to speak with an attorney as soon as you are contacted about the DeLa Express Pipeline project, especially if you are offered less than fair market value for the taking of your property. At Marrs Ellis & Hodge LLP, we represent property owners throughout the condemnation process. Please contact us for a free consultation.