Editing Openai/68503d6e-9400-800b-a15a-dd25d536e24f (section)

=== Assistant: Yes, Oncor is legally required to compensate you if any portion of your land is taken, cleared, or burdened by an easem… ===
Yes, Oncor is legally required to compensate you if any portion of your land is taken, cleared, or burdened by an easement for the high-voltage transmission line. This is done through eminent domain, but only after the project is approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT).

Here’s a breakdown of your rights, compensation, and action steps:

==== Yes. If the line is built across or near your property, Oncor must: ====
* Negotiate with you for a transmission line easement, or
* If you refuse, initiate an eminent domain lawsuit to forcibly acquire it

In both cases, you are entitled to:
* Fair market value for the land or easement taken
* Damages for loss in value to the rest of your property, especially if the line is within sight of your home
* Tree and vegetation loss compensation
* Potential loss-of-use damages (e.g., access, enjoyment, fencing)

Texas law protects landowners’ rights under Tex. Prop. Code §§ 21.001 et seq. (the eminent domain statutes).

==== You can attempt to: ====

===== - File to intervene in Docket No. 58126 (urgently) — this is your only chance to influence the route. =====
* Argue that the selected path has unreasonable impact on: - Proximity to your residence (150′ is very close) - Heritage trees (oaks), vegetation, environmental concerns - Safety, health, property value, aesthetics

If enough evidence and opposition are presented, the PUCT may:
* Modify the route
* Choose an alternate route proposed by Oncor
* Require more mitigation

===== - Challenge the amount of compensation =====
* Raise land use violations, or
* Seek injunctive relief in very rare cases (e.g., fraud, improper notice, constitutional takings)

==== If Oncor proceeds: ====
# They’ll offer a purchase price or easement payment
# You can negotiate, or
# If you decline, they will file a condemnation lawsuit - This triggers a Special Commissioners Hearing under Texas law - You can present your valuation, hire appraisers, attorneys, etc. - If unsatisfied, you can appeal to a jury trial

Landowners often receive higher compensation through challenge than initially offered.

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===== - You cannot be forced to accept a price — only a judge or jury can impose value =====
* You are owed “just compensation” under the Texas and U.S. Constitutions
* You can be compensated for both actual land taken and diminution to the remainder
* The PUCT cannot determine compensation — only route approval; compensation is later

===== Once the PUCT approves the route, your chance to alter its path is essentially over. Your best leverage is right now—before approval. =====

Would you like help drafting a formal intervention statement tailored to these facts (22% land impact, 150′ proximity, oak clearing)? I can also help outline the expected stages of the eminent domain process with key dates.