Debate Continues Over Proposed Clint Gas Pipeline

EL PASO, TX. – Dozens of Clint residents asked Commissioners’ Court to “Be Our Heroes.” after talk re-ignited about installing a gas pipeline through their community.

Quite a few residents of Clint told the court to do anything they could to stop this proposed pipeline project. As ABC-7 reported in September, a representative from PMI Services, which is a part of the Mexican oil company Pemex, asked the court to use county land for its oil pipeline.

Even though the county unanimously denied access, ABC-7 learned that PMI began suing landowners in that area to gain access to their property instead.

Monday, the attorney for PMI told the court the law is clear – because the company will be a common carrier it automatically has the right to use any land it pleases and the county doesn’t have the discretion to oppose it.

Attorney Claude Pine said that PMI would be willing to hold public meetings to hear input from residents in the affected area. Even so, both commissioners and residents were upset,

“Well, they’re just ramrodding this thing through. There’s other alternatives, which we brought to the attention of Pemex, PMI, through less densely populated areas, or unpopulated areas,” said Joe Cook, a resident of Clint.

County Judge Anthony Cobos says the court will look into pursuing litigation against PMI Services to stop the pipeline project, however that won’t be until next Monday.

ABC-7 was unable to get PMI’s attorney for comment.