Ohio Landowners Opposing OPEN Pipeline Eminent Domain
Ohio landowners are opposing the use of eminent domain in the construction of a 76 mile pipeline between Columbiana County and Monroe County. The OPEN pipeline would connect to the Texas Eastern Pipeline and was recently approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). After receiving approval for FERC, the pipeline owner began issuing eminent domain notices to landowners who did not grant easements across their property. Two landowners, Roger and Lana Barack, are teaming with an advocacy group called the Ohio 1851 Center for Constitutional Law to oppose the eminent domain proceedings. The groups claims recent federal court decisions state that Congress may not delegate its power, including the power to seize property, to purely private companies.