AI expansion means you are entering a future where data centers consume extraordinary amounts of power. While renewable energy offers a path forward, scaling clean power at the pace AI demands forces you to confront bottlenecks in infrastructure, storage and...
Texas Energy Law Blog
Why you should never sign an energy lease without counsel
If you are a landowner in Texas, there is a high chance an energy company will eventually approach you. Sometimes, the introduction does not even look like a formal meeting. These companies will often just host barbecues, invite landowners and then casually present...
Understanding the rule of capture for Texas property owners
Your land rights in Texas may trace back to long traditions and notable rulings. One principle, the rule of capture, can shape the way you think about the resources under your land. It began more than a century ago, and it may still affect the choices you face in both...
Leasing your land while preserving farming heritage
Imagine inheriting a vast farmland from a relative you barely knew. Suddenly, you're relocating your family to start a new life as farmers. But just as you settle in, energy companies approach you, eager to lease your land. Your relative always wanted the land used...
What happens if an energy company breaks your lease?
You signed an energy lease because you expected the company to follow through on what they promised: payments on time, your land treated with care and maybe even a timeline that worked for your farm or ranch operations. But now you’re facing something they didn’t...
Eminent domain claims should lead to fair compensation
There are a handful of scenarios in which people may lose control over real property that they have purchased or inherited. In some cases, individuals fail to pay their mortgages. They may eventually be at risk of foreclosure proceedings. Lenders can take possession...
Establishing tax abatement programs in Texas
Tax abatement programs help to encourage investment and economic development in Texas, especially in the energy sector. These programs allow business and local governments to temporarily reduce or eliminate property taxes on new developments or significant...
3 urban legends that may impact opinions about wind farms
Wind farms and smaller, localized wind energy projects can be beneficial for property owners. They can also help local communities by reducing their reliance on the grid for traditional electrical production. In theory, wind farms help generate sustainable energy and...
How the new federal administration could impact energy law
The current presidential administration is sure to result in significant changes to energy law, affecting landowners, businesses and the broader energy sector. Based on past policies and campaign promises, the second term for this president is likely to focus on...
Can homeowners install geothermal energy systems on their land?
Some property owners choose to monetize their real property in order to keep their housing costs low. They might invest in renewable energy systems as a means of defraying household costs or the expenses associated with a small business. Others might view renewable...