Lawsuit Filed May Allow Clint Pipeline Despite Objections
CLINT, TX. – Two weeks ago Mexico’s state run oil companyPEMEX asked county commissioners to run a pipe through an area of El Paso County. The pipeline would go underground through Clint.
But residents told the county they didn’t feel safe with the pipeline so close. Commissioners agreed and didn’t give Pemex permission. But now, residents may not have a choice. A pecan farmer out in Clint receiveda temporary restraining order and lawsuit Tuesday morning filed by a subsidiary of Pemex. It says the company has a right to use his land for their oil pipeline without his permission.
“This pipeline will be about 86 feet from my front door. That’s something to have a pipe that close to the house. When they blow, they blow big,” said Clint pecan farmer, Jim Ivey. Hesays if the pipeline is installed, the peace and quiet, along with the feeling of safety, that comes with his pecan farm will surely be destroyed. Ivey already has a propane line running through his property.
“WhenI walk out my front door, 80 feet away, I’m gonna have two bombs in the ground.” State law says a pipeline is considered a common carrier and “common carriers have the right and power of eminent domain.” According to the code, “a common carrier may enter on and condemn the land, rights-of-way, easements, and property of any person or corporation necessary for the construction, maintenance, or operation of the common carrier pipeline.”
“I think it’s an abuse of the eminent domain intent that was put in our state constitution.” Ivey says his concern is that this proposed pipeline would be yards from where neighborhood children attend school. Other Clint residents share his sentiment.
Cuco Perez’ grandson goes to San Elizario School which is close to where the pipeline would be. “I would just hate to see that thing blow up when they’re all in school,” Perez said.ABC-7 called the representative fromPMI services – which is the oil company listed on the restraining order, butjust astwo weeks ago – he did not returnthe call.
