[CA Conservative]

I never said I supported it for Keystone. And I know that Cruz supports the Keystone pipeline, but I can’t find anywhere Cruz specifically endorsed or supported the use of eminent domain for this project. You can support the pipeline without necessarily approving of the use of eminent domain to build the project. So it is possible to be intellectually consistent on the issue.

[Smokin' Joe]

With pipelines, it is more of a right of way issue than a taking of land.

That depends on land use in the area, granted.

Here most pipelines cross agricultural land, so it isn't an issue so much as in areas where there are dense buildings.

There are restrictions on emplacing permanent structures over pipelines, and setbacks from the right of way, both for new structures, and restricting placement of the line too close to existing structures. Here, too, the lines are buried below plow depth, so agricultural use can continue after the line is put in.

Location of surface facilities requires leasing or purchasing a site for that, and is commonly part of any lease arrangement. There is some leeway in where those facilities will be located, so long as they are on the line.