Stronger Eminent Domain Restrictions for Pipelines Legislation

Who wants to ban eminent domain for pipelines? U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley

Why the eminent domain ban? industry’s increased use of eminent domain coupled with FERC’s reluctance to protect landowners

Will pipelines be prevented from ever using eminent domain? No

How will the 2 bills work?

• Wyden’s Reaffirming Property Rights Through Natural Gas Act Modernization Act
  • ends the legal presumption that gas exports are by definition in the public interest
  • uniform gas developers’ communications to landowners
  • setting time limits on FERC actions
  • more robust appeals process for landowners
• Merkley’s proposed Ending Natural Gas Companies’ Seizure of Land for Export Profits Act
  • prohibit companies building export pipelines from using eminent domain claims against private lands

Mail Tribune | Oregon senators to introduce bills against use of eminent domain

SP Global | Oregon senators prepare bills to rein in eminent domain use for gas projects