June 16, 2021
AUSTIN – Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association, released the following statement following Governor’s Abbott’s signing of HB 2730 into law:
“Several years of negotiations and commitment from infrastructure industries to address concerns of landowners have resulted in a carefully crafted law that strikes the right balance between protecting private property rights while ensuring the essential infrastructure needed for a growing Texas can continue to be built. We applaud Representatives Deshotel and Burns and Senator Kolkhorst for their diligence this legislative session in moving this important reform through the legislative process and thank Governor Abbott for signing it into law. Over the coming months and years as the provisions of this law are implemented, TXOGA will continue to work closely with industry and landowners to ensure this bill accomplishes its objective to provide a fair eminent domain process.
HB 2730 includes provisions that strengthen the Landowner Bill of Rights, requires additional education and training for certified easement right-of-way agents, and provides more information for landowners earlier in the process of working with condemning entities that are building essential infrastructure.”
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Founded in 1919, TXOGA is the oldest and largest oil and gas trade association in Texas representing every facet of the industry.