John J. Smither
Senior Counsel
Pipeline companies, gas utilities and electric transmission providers turn to John Smither to secure easements and rights-of-way for time-sensitive projects across Texas. He helps condemning authorities move projects from planning to operation while reducing delays, disputes and damage exposure in the eminent domain process.
John guides common carriers, gas utilities and electric utilities through every phase of condemnation to keep critical infrastructure projects on track. In his condemnation work, John has secured land rights for major transmission and lateral lines and interstate and intrastate projects across the state of Texas. He handles survey access and initial and final offers, guides clients through special commissioners’ hearings, and resolves right-to-take and compensation disputes in court. While guiding clients through each phase of the condemnation process, John possesses the valuable skill of translating technical project requirements into clear positions that resonate with landowners, special commissioners, judges and juries.
Experience
- Assisted midstream energy company in acquiring right of way through negotiation and condemnation of a 30” common carrier intrastate transmission pipeline for the transportation of natural gas liquids (NGLs) extending 504 miles from Orla, Texas, to Mont Belvieu, Texas.
- Secured right of way for pipeline operator through negotiation and condemnation of a 30” common carrier intrastate transmission pipeline for the transportation of crude oil extending 850 miles from the Permian Basin through the Eagle Ford Shale to the Texas Gulf Coast.
- Worked with client land team to acquire right of way through negotiation and condemnation of a 24” common carrier intrastate transmission pipeline for the transportation of crude oil extending 416 miles from the Permian Basin to Sealy, Texas.
- Obtained right of way for midstream energy company through negotiation and condemnation of a variable width common carrier intrastate transmission pipeline for the transportation of natural gas liquids (NGLs) extending 535 miles from West Texas to Mont Belvieu, Texas.
- Acquired right of way through negotiation and condemnation for a pipeline operator for a 42” gas utility intrastate transmission pipeline for the transportation of natural gas extending 510 miles from the Permian Basin to Katy, Texas.
- Represented client in the acquisition of right of way through negotiation and condemnation of a common carrier pipeline for the transportation of oil products under TBOC §2.105 extending 44 miles through Galveston and Brazoria Counties, Texas.
- Secured right of way for downstream energy company through negotiation and condemnation under the Natural Gas Act of a FERC-approved 48” gas utility interstate pipeline for the transportation of natural gas.