Once again, eminent domain has erupted into a political controversy in Texas. In its latest manifestation, Kinder Morgan proposes to build a 430-mile pipeline from West Texas to a suburb of Houston. As a “common carrier,” Kinder Morgan can use eminent domain to acquire access to the land needed to build the pipeline.
Certainly, pipelines are crucial to the oil and gas industry, and that industry is crucial to the economy of Texas and the well-being of all individuals. Oil and gas companies provide us with the inexpensive and abundant energy that we need to sustain and enhance our lives. But that does not justify seizing the property of a single individual. Oil and gas companies provide pro-life values—inexpensive and abundant energy; eminent domain destroys pro-life values—the right to property. So, what is the solution to this seemingly insolvable conflict between pipelines and private property rights? The simple answer is: imagination and innovation.
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