Category Archives: activism

Pipeline Protestors Arrested. Sue Company that had them arrested.

The Texas pipeline proptests over TransCanada Pipeline are enough for a movie. Here’s the story:

  • Landowners and others protested the Trans Texas Pipeline in Texas (and elsewhere)
  • 3 peaceful protestors were arrested 
  • the 3 peaceful protestors sued the Sheriff Department that arrested them & TransCanada
  • TransCanada seeks a dismissal alleging that there is no proof that TransCanada’s agents or employees aided abuse of force by the sheriff departm…

Trend: Only Permit Eminent Domain at the Request of the Property Owner

Passing by a margin greater than 2:1, Littleton Colorado voters approved a measure to require that a property owner consent to eminent domain before eminent domain can be used.  

Removing the ability to threaten eminent domain will likely make negotiations for property purchases more productive. Supporters say the goal is for citizens to do what is best for Littleton. 

Posted byadminPosted inactivism, campaigns, private property rights

No Eminent Domain for Private Gain. Gaining Steam Fighting Wind Power Lines.

A vocal group at a transmission line public meeting echoed the refrain- no eminent domain for private gain. It rhymes which makes it good for protest marches.

A Houston Company is the target of this group of landowners. The company, Clean Line Energy Partners, is seeking the federal government’s buy-in to a wind energy project in Oklahoma & Arkansas. If the federal government gets involved, then the company gets eminent domain authority. 

200 landowners showed up to a m…

Eminent Domain Reform Has Arrived in Austin. 7 days. 12 news clips. 7 bills to curb eminent domain.

7 eminent domain bills have been filed to curb the powers of condemning entities. Activists are  organized. The games are set to begin.

The playing field favors their success. Property Rights is a tenant of Republicans and all Texans. Republicans control every facet of Texas government.  

In the last 7 days, these media outlets have focused on Texas eminent domain reform:

  • Harvey Kronberg’s Quorum Report 
  • Proposed bill adds some teeth to Texas’ eminent…

Activist Alert: Death of Democracy. March Protesting Pipeline Eminent Domain

In the last year, opposition to eminent domain has turned more vocal and more public. Opponents have:

  • Hosted concerts & parades with world renowned musicians (featured Texans)
  • Shut down public meetings with overflowing crowds (occurred in Texas)
  • Consistently encourages city councils and county commissioners to vote in favor of land owners and against private entities using eminent domain (occurred in Texas)

This week we have “”Death of Demo…

County Stops Pipeline. Private Company Crossing Private Lands Causes Concern.

A County in rural Pennsylvania is intervening to stop a pipeline that is proposed to cross private property. Amish are a strong stock. You don’t want to mess with them. 

20 of 26 townships also seek to stop the pipeline project after hearing tales about the impact of eminent domain proceedings against century old farms & decreasing property values. 

Stan…

Empower Texas Tackles A Water District with 4 Major Eminent Domain Woes

Empower Texas offers up a smorgasbord of eminent domain abuses by Tarrant Regional Water Board. The list:

  • Received expanded eminent domain powers through abuse of the local and consent calendar
  • The district’s majority financial focus is on economic development and not water, a public use
  •  The commissioners, who can vote in favor of eminent domain, had their terms extended without an election
  • Landowners in an eminent domain dispute uncovered eviden…

Most Popular Texas Eminent Domain Bill

One eminent domain bill is becoming a media darling: HB 565 by Burkett. The bill revokes eminent domain authority from a private toll company.

Here’s why Burkett says it is important: 

  • The problem is a private company overseeing a project with eminent domain authority (hello, pipelines, are you listening?)
  • If property is taken for public needs, it should be “fair and transparent”
  • Toll roads are wearing out their welcome

Posted byadminPosted in2015 legislation, activism, fairness, infrastructure building, pipelines/common carriers, private company, private property rights

Eminent Domain is Like Broccoli Cupcakes; Yuck. City Councils Vote Against It. Willie Sings in Opposition.

Eminent domain protests occur across the U.S.:

  • Dallas area saw eminent domain protesters shut down transportation proposals, and city councils vote ceremoniously vote against proposals.
  • The Dakotas held parades and Farm-Aid style concerts to shut down Keystone XL pipeline, which is now in litigation for eminent domain usage.
  • It’s been campaign fodder in Iowa, Tarrant County Water Board, and more…
  • This week protesters in Connecticut, the same sta…