In late November, President Biden announced that the U.S. – in concert with several other developed nations – will be tapping its strategic petroleum reserve over the next several months in order to meet high demand for oil. This is apparently a response to efforts by...
Texas Energy Law Blog
Can an energy company take my land for its project?
Generally, yes, although they have to provide you with just compensation. In Texas, energy companies have the power of eminent domain when building or operating public projects. In New Mexico, oil and gas pipelines have clear eminent domain authority, and renewables...
Wind power capacity hit all-time high in 2020, Texas a top state
2020 was a tremendous year for the wind energy industry, with record levels of wind farm commissioning, especially in the fourth quarter. Fully 16.9 GW of wind power was connected to the grid last year. In the fourth quarter alone, the amount of new grid-connected...
Energy Department wants to increase solar power from 4% to 45%
The U.S. Department of Energy recently announced a goal of expanding solar energy from 4% of our nation’s electricity to 45% by 2050. It’s an ambitious goal aimed at fighting climate change. The 45% goal is in line with what most climate scientists state is necessary....
Do renewable energy sources require a backup plan for blackouts?
Hurricane Ida took down New Orleans’ electrical grid, at least for a while. Not only did it affect the grid, but it also hit oil and gas pipelines in the area, causing some of them to suspend contracts. Just a few days after the storm, Enbridge energy said its...
Is it possible to give just part of my land in eminent domain?
In Texas, many energy companies have the power of eminent domain, or “condemnation.” This means that they can take your property as long as it is put to a public use and you receive just compensation for it. In West Texas, companies often propose to take individual...
What rights would a solar energy company get over my land?
It’s happening all over West Texas. Solar energy companies are trying to increase their capacity, and the easiest way to do that is to build utility-grade solar arrays. That means they need land, and they’re offering Texas landowners premium prices to lease it. Have...
Texas beating California, other states in 2021 solar installations
If an energy company has approached you to lease part of your land for a solar energy array, you could be part of a vast trend. According to the solar industry, the United States now boasts over 100 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity. That includes a bit more...
Report: We must transform our energy systems to meet climate goals
If you own land in rural Texas, chances are you’ve been contacted by a solar or wind company seeking to use your land for an energy project. If you have, you could be part of a necessary transformation in the energy market from fossil fuels to renewable energy. "We...
What rights do Texas landowners have against energy condemnation?
When energy companies want to use your land for a public project, you may have heard that they have the power of eminent domain. That’s true, but it doesn’t mean you have no rights. In Texas, many oil and gas pipelines, wind power companies and solar power concerns...
