Yes, it is an infrastructure project that will improve national self-sufficiency and security. Very different from a casino.
Pipelines get built all the time without eminent domain. It is relatively straightforward. You select several possible routes. You then approach all the property owners along each route and you offer them 25% over market. But, and this is the key, all offers are contingent upon all property owners along that path accepting, and only offers to the owners on the first path with all owners accepting will be honored. Because of the contingent offers and competing paths, owners are less likely to hold out for more money for fear that the owners on a competing path will accept first.