Luke Ellis was invited to speak at the 13th Annual Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Policy (TPPF) Orientation, one of the nation’s top policy conferences held in Austin on January 8, 2015.  Luke spoke on a panel called “Protecting Property Rights Amidst the Texas Miracle” along with State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Chris Mosley (Attorney, City of Fort Worth), and Randal O’Toole (Cato Institute).  Kathleen Hunker with TPPF moderated the presentation.

The panel addressed the significant population growth of Texas, which in turn spurs infrastructure growth.  New and expanded roadways, new high-voltage electric transmission lines, new oil and gas pipelines, and related utilities and infrastructure are all planned to accommodate the population boom.  Luke explained the condemnation process from the property owner’s perspective.  He addressed areas where the Texas condemnation framework disfavors landowners, including areas such as recovery of attorneys’ fees, full and fair recovery of all marketplace damages, lack of routing oversight over the oil and gas industry, and zoning regulations.  Luke offered several recommendations for legislative reform that would benefit landowners by evening the playing field.  Please contact Brenda or Bayly for a copy of Luke’s presentation (512.215.4078).