A new natural gas pipeline, the Eiger Express, is in the works — spanning roughly 450 miles from the Permian Basin to the Katy area, west of Houston. On August 25, 2025, WhiteWater and its partners (ONEOK, MPLX, Enbridge) announced the final investment decision, with regulatory approvals and construction expected to follow. The pipeline will connect various gathering systems and processing plants in the Midland Basin and bring gas from the Delaware Basin via the Agua Blanca Pipeline.
Once operational, Eiger Express is designed to move up to 2.5 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas. Although the route is expected to run mostly parallel to existing corridors (notably the Matterhorn Express route), additional private-land easements may still be required. For landowners, this raises serious questions about rights, compensation, and negotiation.
Understanding Eminent Domain in Texas
Texas law grants certain companies the power of eminent domain for infrastructure projects that serve a public purpose. When voluntary easement agreements can’t be reached, some companies may turn to condemnation proceedings to acquire the needed land rights.
Here’s a typical process:
- Initial Offer & Contact
A right-of-way agent will reach out with an easement proposal. - Negotiation Phase
You can negotiate not only the dollar amount, but also easement terms (access points, restoration, future use). - Final Written Offer
If no agreement is reached, a final offer is made in writing. - Condemnation (if necessary)
The company may sue to take the land via condemnation. - Special Commissioners’ Hearing
A panel listens to evidence and determines “just compensation.” - Appeals
Either party can challenge the determination in court.
“Just compensation” is not always simple: it must reflect not only the land taken, but the impact on the remainder of your property (damages, access changes, etc.).
What’s at Stake for You If Your Land Is on the Route
- Permanent easements: The company’s rights may last indefinitely.
- Access & ingress rights: The company might reserve broad access for maintenance.
- Restrictions on land use: Activities near or above the pipeline may be limited.
- Construction damages: Soil, fencing, waterways, vegetation, and drainage may suffer.
- Potential for future expansions: Some easements are loosely written, allowing additional lines later.
Your Rights & Courses of Action
If your property is—or may be—on the Eiger Express Pipeline path, here’s how to protect your interests:
- Don’t accept the first offer without review. These offers often undervalue easement impacts.
- Negotiate terms, not just price. Define how the pipeline is placed, restored, and maintained.
- Use experts. Hire appraisers, engineers, and a landowner-oriented attorney to assess impacts.
- Document your property’s condition. Photos, surveys, and notes before any work begins.
- Don’t sign anything prematurely. A waiver or consent given early can limit your leverage later.
Why Gattis Law & Dan Gattis Are a Strong Choice
Dan Gattis brings a rare mix of legal skill and personal insight: he is a rancher, landowner, former Texas state representative, and eminent domain attorney. He understands what these land disputes look like on the ground, not just in courtrooms.
His approach is rooted in listening, aggressively negotiating, challenging undervalued offers, and protecting your long-term property rights. If you’re contacted — or anticipate being contacted — Dan and Gattis Law can help you assess offers, counter strong proposals, and prepare for condemnation proceedings if necessary.
Taking Action Now
- Review route maps and project announcements closely.
- Document your land’s current state with photos, surveys, and descriptions.
- Contact an eminent domain attorney — understand your rights and best options for the process and negotiations ahead of you.
- Resist pressure to make quick decisions.
Learn more about this project on our Eiger Express Pipeline page.
If you’ve already been approached by right-of-way agents or believe your land lies in the path of the Eiger Express, reach out to Gattis Law today. With deep Texas roots and real landowner experience, Dan Gattis can help protect your rights as a landowner.
