Railroad commission approves new pipeline rules
“The Texas Railroad Commission formally approved new rules modifying what pipeline operators must do to become common carriers and possibly get the power to condemn land for their projects. The new T-4 pipeline form approved…
Senate advances bill to block eminent domain use by cities
“A bill to block the use of eminent domain by cities to create hiking trails, bike paths and greenways has cleared the Idaho Senate. The Post Register reported that the bill passed on a 20-13…
Obama Vetoes Keystone XL Pipeline Bill
“The White House has notified the Senate that President Obama has, as promised, vetoed congressional legislation to approve the Keystone XL pipeline project. “Through this bill, the United States Congress attempts to circumvent longstanding and…
Even Pickaxes Couldn’t Stop The Nation’s First Oil Pipeline
“One-hundred-fifty years ago, a man named Samuel Van Syckel built the nation’s first commercial oil pipeline in the rugged terrain of northwestern Pennsylvania. His pipeline transformed how oil is transported — and it would change…
Cities, developers resist increased oversight of TIF
“In Lincoln, tax-increment financing has helped transform aging warehouses into spiffy storefronts and a polluted railyard into Pinnacle Bank Arena. But Mike Groene comes from the Wild West. The state senator from North Platte has…
Holyoke tradeoff: property tax exemption in return for 16 new jobs, $5 million in expansions at Marcotte Ford
“Company President Bryan Marcotte and Filomeno and city planning officials met with the council Development and Government Relations Committee at City Hall. The committee voted 5-0 to recommend that the full City Council March 3…
EDITORIAL: Pilgrim Pipeline too much of a risk
“No one, it seems, wants the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline running through New Jersey. Except, of course, for the businesses that stand to benefit from the pipeline. And they have every intention of ramming the project…
Judge denies motion for summary judgment in Missoula water case
“The Carlyle Group isn’t off the hook in the city of Missoula’s eminent domain case against the local drinking water system. On Monday, Judge Karen Townsend denied the global equity firm’s motion for summary judgment…
A Map Act ruling that helps NC landowners
“The N.C. Department of Transportation is like any purchaser: It wants to buy cheap. Taxpayers can applaud that goal – until their property is in the way of the next highway. A state law called…
Fargo city leaders vote for last-minute negotiations in eminent domain lawsuit
“Fargo city leaders voted Thursday to try to negotiate their way out of their eminent domain lawsuit against a landowner. After meeting in executive session, Fargo City Commissioners Mike Williams and Dave Piepkorn voted with…