ABSTRACT
Effectively, eminent domain is a right which makes it possible for private property to be purchased at a fair price, as determined by the courts, for projects which are for public benefit. It is interesting to note that Federal eminent domain in the USA was granted to oil pipelines in 1940, and to natural gas pipelines in 1947. Much of the land, over which pipelines would have to pass, appears to be owned by operating railroad companies, who consider the transportation of coal by pipeline to be contrary to their interests. Much is made, therefore, of the respective economics concerned with pipeline and rail transport methods, and this subject is covered in greater detail in section 4.
