Texas judge rules in favor of Keystone pipeline progress

Lamar County Court-at-Law Judge Bill Harris ruled that TransCanada has eminent domain rights to right of way across the farm and the pipeline would be a common carrier, the L.A. Times reports.

The developer of the disputed Keystone XL oil pipeline, designed to eventually carry oil from Canadian tar sands to Texas Gulf Coast refineries, may condemn land across a Paris, Texas farm for the pipeline's right of way, a judge ruled Aug 23.

Judge Bill Harris, in Lamar County, ruled Canadian pipeline company TransCanada Corp. (NYSE: TRP) has the right to exercise the power of eminent domain to run the Keystone XL pipeline across an opposing landowner?s property, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Harris?s ruling spurred protests at the Paris County Courthouse.

The judge?s brief ruling effectively recognizes what is known as common carrier status for the Keystone XL project and allows TransCanada to proceed with acquiring an easement across ranch manager Julia Trigg Crawford?s property, the L.A. Times reports.

Harris rejected landowners? arguments that under the definition of ?common carrier,? TransCanada should have to prove in detail that the pipeline would be generally available to all oil shippers, not just a few private companies.

Opponents argue that is primarily designed to benefit the Canadian company and presents a potential environmental hazard for landowners along the route.

Shaina Zucker covers commercial and residential real estate, construction, retail and hospitality.

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