Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo Partner Nicholas Laurent Discusses Eminent Domain Intervention with Temple Daily Telegram, Regarding Bell County East to Big Hill Transmission Line
Nicholas Laurent, Partner at Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, PLLC, recently spoke with reporter Ian Camacho at Temple Daily Telegraph to share insights on the Bell County East to Big Hill Transmission Line project ahead of the deadline to intervene, a process which allows eligible landowners to file a motion, present evidence, challenge routes and participate in formal hearings.
The 200-mile Bell County East to Big Hill Transmission Line is a joint project by Oncor Electric and Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). The line would span across Bell, Burnet, Menard, San Saba and Schleicher counties, potentially impacting hundreds of private property owners as one of the largest grid expansions in the state. The Public Utility Commission is expected to select a route in September 2026 and begin construction in 2030.
See: Bell County and City of Burnet Retaliate Transmission Line Project
Laurent urges landowners to understand key concepts about intervention before choosing to intervene.
- Intervention is not required to be paid in a subsequent condemnation proceeding.
- Intervening can involve navigating complicated legal issues and procedural deadlines.
- As an alternative, impacted landowners can submit written comments into the record.
Whether landowners decide to intervene or not, it is critical that affected residents understand their property rights and consult with a lawyer before accepting any offer letters. “Power line routing cases and eminent domain acquisitions involve important legal rights, and we caution landowners to not sign or agree to anything before consulting with an experienced attorney,” Laurent stated.
If you may be impacted by the Bell County East to Big Hill Transmission Line project, contact a Barron, Adler, Clough & Oddo, PLLC attorney such as Nicholas Laurent to discuss their case with an experienced eminent domain and condemnation attorney.
Resources:
- Temple Daily Telegraph: Central Texas transmission line case nears April 27 intervention deadline
- Fox 7: Bell County residents concerned Oncor’s proposed 765 kV power line will cut through their property
- KXAN: ‘It’s heartbreaking’: Central Texans push back on massive 765kV power line project
- KCENTV: Salado residents pack meeting, urged to take action against proposed $2 billion transmission line project