In the 1990s, Georgia wants to protect wealthy quail plantation owners from a new oil pipeline, so it passed new laws related only to oil pipelines.
What does an oil pipeline have to do that a natural gas pipeline doesn’t have to do for eminent domain approval? A pipeline that carries gasoline, diesel and ethanol must:
- Get Georgia DOT approval and
- Be approved by Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division
Has this been a hurdle? yes, it has stopped a pipeline by Kinder Morgan. The comapny is now working to gain all willing sellers for the land needed for its pipeline.
Is there litigation? Yes, Kinder Morgan has asked for court approval after state agencies denied their eminent domain power request.
Are other states looking to increase the requirements before eminent domain can be used by private comapnies? yes, South Carolina is seeking to emulate the additional requirements that Georgia has in place.
Savannah Morning News | Lunches, lobbyists and gifts smooth path for Palmetto Pipeline