Poss. change to permitting energy pipelines
“There is a potential change in the works when it comes to permiting of oil and gas pipelines in Texas. Members of the State Railroad Commission are recommending lawmakers consider stricter requirements.
Just a few miles from San Angelo, in Wall, a pumpjack is at work in a cotton field. The oil pumped from the well is stored in a nearby tank.
The way current state energy laws are written, the landowner could see a pipeline built right through the middle of his cotton field.
“Once that oil and gas production goes in, it’ll never come out. It’ll never be used for a cotton farm a home will never be built there again. So, once that land is being used for that production, that’s all it’s going to be used for,” said Texas Farm Bureau, Nathan Smith.
He supports a proposal that would help protect landowners.
The state railroad commission is considering a proposal that would do that. It would include more visibility for the pipeline companies and sworn statements from the pipeline permit applicant saying why the operator wants a pipeline on a specific parcel of land.
“We’re definitely hoping the Texas Railroad Commission looks at this. This issue looks at the way the common carrier status is granted and they strengthen those private property rights,” explained Smith.”
Garland, Stephanie. Concho Valley 14 November 2014.