Simmons Comments on Fairness of ‘Quick-Take’ Seizures

Partner Jeffrey Simmons was quoted in an E&E News article, “Landowners ask justices to nix companies’ ‘quick take’ power,” about whether pipeline companies should be allowed to take private property months or years before paying for it.

Simmons, who has represented pipeline companies in condemnation cases, said the fact that so many appellate courts have agreed with this approach suggests that the process is permissible. Any delay in the condemnation process can cost pipeline builders millions of dollars, he noted.

“It is an unusual application of law, but I don’t think it’s wrong,” he said. “It’s certainly not clearly wrong.”