Ty and Leslie Eggemeyer, owners of the 4,000-acre Artemis Ranch in Lampasas County, Texas, have been embroiled in a years-long battle with Matterhorn Express, a pipeline entity owned by WhiteWater Midstream. The company sought to build a 42-inch pipeline through their property, connecting the Permian Basin to the Gulf Coast, using the power of eminent domain.

Eminent Domain Disputes on the Rise

As Texas faces a surge in pipeline projects, tensions between landowners and pipeline companies are increasing. The Eggemeyers’ case is just one example of the disputes arising over eminent domain and fair compensation for property rights. The Texas Pipeline Alliance claims that most landowners negotiate with pipeline developers, but when agreements can’t be reached, companies may file condemnation suits, leading to lengthy and costly legal battles.

The Eggemeyers initially received an offer of $21,000 for the half-mile strip of land, which they refused. After a jury trial, they were awarded approximately $7 million for easement rights and property damages. The company has since filed a motion to overturn the verdict or schedule a new trial.

Experts argue that the concept of a ‘bona fide offer’ has been weakened by the courts, allowing pipeline companies to make low offers and still meet the legal requirement. This has led to landowners being undercompensated for their property rights.

The issue of eminent domain is complex, with Texas law granting private companies the power to take private property if they can demonstrate a public benefit. However, landowners and attorneys argue that this power can be abused, leading to unfair treatment of property owners.

Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.