Texas rice farmers object to pipeline plan

[September 13, 2012]  BEAUMONT, Texas (AP) -- Some rice farmers have challenged condemnation efforts by a Canadian company seeking to build an oil pipeline to the Texas Gulf Coast.

A judge in Beaumont heard arguments Wednesday and said he will announce his decision Sept. 24.

KFDM-TV reports some protesters held signs saying "Stop Eminent Domain" and "Defend Texas Land."

Representatives of the Texas Rice Land Partners want the project stopped. A recent Texas Supreme Court ruling says a company must prove its pipeline is for the "common" good before taking private property.

TransCanada's plan to built a nearly 1,200-mile pipeline has been rejected by President Barack Obama. The company is redesigning the project but has moved ahead with portions that do not cross an international boundary.

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Information from: KFDM-TV, http://www.kfdm.com/

[Associated Press]

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