Community groups held a meeting to inform residents about the proposed DeLa Express Pipeline, which could impact Jefferson County landowners.
BEAUMONT, Texas — Two community organizations hosted an informational meeting Tuesday to educate Beaumont residents about the proposed DeLa Express Pipeline, a massive natural gas project that could directly impact Jefferson County landowners.
The pipeline, proposed by Houston-based Moss Lake Partners, would carry two billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from West Texas to a liquefied natural gas facility in southwest Louisiana. The proposed route would cut through Jefferson County, prompting concerns from residents and local advocacy groups.
Tuesday’s meeting was organized by the Port Arthur Community Action Network and the Property Rights and Pipeline Center. Organizers say the goal was to make sure residents and property owners in the pipeline’s path understand their rights and how to respond if approached by pipeline developers.
“This meeting is to better inform the public, as well as property owners along the pipeline, of what their rights are with regard to eminent domain,” said John Beard with the Port Arthur Community Action Network. “How to negotiate or work with these people if they are to negotiate with them regarding access on their property.”
According to documents filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Moss Lake Partners is currently working to contact affected landowners. However, the company has not yet responded to media requests for comment.
Energy companies have long argued that pipelines are the safest and most effective way to transport natural gas. Jefferson County already has a vast underground network transporting crude oil, chemicals, and other materials. A map from the National Pipeline Mapping Center highlights the county’s existing infrastructure.
Nationwide, the American Gas Association reports there are approximately 2.5 million miles of natural gas pipelines spanning all 50 states.