Judge rules eminent domain to ETP

Judge Keith Comeaux of the 16th District Court in St. Mary (La.) Parish ruled Dec. 6 that Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), a firm building the Bayou Bridge Pipeline, has the right to seize private property to construct the 162-mile long oil pipeline. He also ruled that ETP had trespassed on private property when it began construction - before finalizing land-seizure procedures. Louisiana is one of a few states that allow oil companies to take private land through expropriation - commonly known as eminent domain. This right is usually reserved for governments. In a statement, ETP said it was “pleased with the ruling” and was looking forward to “bringing the pipeline into service before the end of the year.” Pipeline’s opponents plan to appeal, according to Bill Quigley, a Loyola University law professor and one of the lawyers representing property owners. The judge awarded each of three property owners contesting the pipeline $150 for expropriation and trespass. (Source: NOLA.com 12/06/18)