Pipelines are the arteries that allow the movement of products such as petroleum and natural gas to get from producer to refiner. They are essential to the energy industry. It should come as no surprise then that the corporate owners of energy companies are also allowed to use the power of Eminent Domain to force the sale of any property necessary to build these pipelines.

Even if one’s private property is not involuntarily taken to build the facility, the mere proximity to one can have a devastating impact on that property’s value. It has been said that modern pipelines are safer than they ever have been. Nevertheless, many potential buyers are fearful of leaks and explosions. So, when it becomes general knowledge that such a pipeline will be built on or next to any property, its value can usually be expected to plummet.