The Mustang Express Pipeline, a proposed 42-inch natural gas transmission line by ARM Midstream/ARM Energy, is currently in early planning and survey phases. The route is expected to run from Colorado County to Jefferson County, crossing multiple counties, including Waller, Montgomery, Liberty and parts of Harris County.
With permanent easements typically 50-75 feet wide for a line of this scale (and additional temporary workspace required during construction) and survey access already being requested from landowners, the stakes for property owners are high.
If your land lies along—or near—the route of the Mustang Express, you have rights that deserve protection. Let’s walk through the process, the risks, and what you should do.
Understanding Eminent Domain in Texas
Eminent domain gives project developers the legal power to acquire land rights (easements) when voluntary negotiations cannot succeed. Under Texas law, even when condemnation is initiated, landowners are entitled to “just compensation.”
Here’s a breakdown of how the process typically progresses:
- Survey / Access Request: Right-of-way agents begin contacting landowners to access property, stake alignments, or conduct surveys.
- Initial Offer for Easement Rights: Once an alignment is proposed, the developer may present an easement agreement.
- Negotiation Stage: You can negotiate not just price, but terms: pipeline placement, restoration, ingress/egress rights, and future land use limitations.
- Final Written Offer: If no agreement is reached, a written final offer is submitted.
- Condemnation Proceedings & Special Commissioners: The developer may file for condemnation; a panel of special commissioners assesses compensation.
- Appeals/Trial Court: If either side is dissatisfied with the outcome, litigation may follow.
What’s at Stake for Landowners on the Mustang Route
For landowners in the path of the Mustang Express, several factors merit attention:
- Permanent easements: Even if corridor follows existing infrastructure, permanent rights granted may remain for generations.
- Wide easements + temporary workspace: For a 42-inch line, typical easement widths run 50-75 feet, and heavy construction may require broader workspace affecting crops, fences, and pastureland.
- Survey access impact: Signing survey access without limitations may ease the developer’s path and reduce your bargaining power later.
- Land-use restrictions: After an easement is granted, your ability to build, drill, plant, or subdivide may be affected.
- Construction disruption/restoration obligations: Soil compacted, fencing removed, water flow changed—without clearly defined restoration obligations, you may be left with long-term impacts.
Your Rights & Best Practices
If you believe your property is in or near the proposed Mustang Express corridor:
- Don’t rush to sign anything — whether it’s a survey access form or easement draft, take time to review.
- Document your property’s condition now — photos, videos, boundary markers, fences, water features, crops/pastures.
- Negotiate both price and terms — location of line, depth, access routes, restoration, future use limitations.
- Get expert help early — Land-value appraisers, easement specialists, and a lawyer experienced in eminent domain can make a real difference.
- Avoid giving away rights inadvertently — Don’t allow unlimited survey or access rights without clear limitations; don’t accept ambiguous easement language.
Why Gattis Law & Dan Gattis are Right for You
Dan Gattis brings a unique perspective: He’s not just an attorney—he’s a rancher and landowner who knows Texas land and values. He’s also a former state representative who worked on legislation affecting rural property rights.
At Gattis Law, the focus is firmly on protecting landowners, not enriching pipeline companies. Dan and his team help Texans understand offers, push back on weak terms, and ensure negotiations reflect both present value and future use of land.
Next Steps
- Check whether your property lies within or close to the proposed Mustang Express route.
- Monitor announcements, right-of-way access requests, and survey notifications.
- Document your land’s pre-construction condition.
- If you’re contacted—either by surveyors or easement agents—consult with an attorney before signing.
Visit the Gattis Law Mustang Express Pipeline project page for updated project details. If you’ve been approached or anticipate being impacted, reach out to Gattis Law today for a consultation.
