Poll

Comment from Jim Johnson, (4/13/2015, 10:43 AM)

The question, as asked, is almost impossible to answer. There are two issues here, property owner rights and community benefits. It should ask - Since pipelines are installed to generate profit should private landowners get a portion of those profits? Or - When eminent domain is used to access private property should the property owner be allowed to lease the land and get a royalty for all profit generating product through the system?

Comment from Mark Bowen, (4/14/2015, 3:55 PM)

Eminent domain should be reserved to those projects which are 100% publicly owned. This intent can still be thwarted by politicians by transferring the project to a public-private partnership.

Comment from John Fauth, (4/15/2015, 8:38 AM)

Sadly, this misuse of eminent domain laws is the natural outcome of Kelo vs New London. That was a truly abhorrent case and decision. Whenever private property rights are diminished, it will inevitably impact average citizens.

Comment from James Albertoni, (4/16/2015, 11:08 AM)

I read the question differently. My thinking was that an already existing pipeline is on private property and the owner is not allowing SURVEYING of the pipeline. I would want a legal way to access the pipe for surveying and maintenance. That being said, paying for access (easement, right of way, or other)should always be the first option. I would always be against a private company using eminent domain to build a pipeline.

Comment from Robert Worthingham, (4/17/2015, 2:31 AM)

A land owner who does not allow pipeline safety related surveys is only endangering themselves and their neighbours.

Comment from M. Halliwell, (4/17/2015, 10:45 AM)

James and Robert, I believe that the article that prompted this question was related to building a new pipeline. Landowners didn't want to let the pipeline company on to survey or for construction and the pipeline co. has gone "eminent domain" to force their way in.

Join the Conversation: