HAYS COUNTY, Texas -- Hays County is moving forward in its opposition to the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline that would run through the county.
- Hays County opposes Kinder Morgan pipeline
- Several local governments signed similar resolutions
- Only natural gas would be running through the pipeline
Hays County commissioners unanimously "authorized general counsel to execute a joint defense agreement on behalf of Hays County related to the Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline Permian Highway Project with the intent of joining or filing suit against Kinder Morgan."
The county also authorized Commissioner Walt Smith and Commissioner Lon Shell "along with the general counsel to represent the county in the discussions with the parties of the previously approved joint defense agreement related to the Kinder Morgan Texas Pipeline Permian Highway Project."
Commissioners spoke behind closed doors in executive session after making the motion to authorize the agreement.
The county does not comment on pending litigation, and instead, referred us to the resolution passed in February by the county that formally opposes the pipeline's route.
Several local governments within Hays County have signed their own separate but similar resolutions. Gillespie County has also opposed the route.
Buda City Council most recently recently voted to sign on to the formal opposition, joining the cities of Woodcreek, Kyle, San Marcos, and Wimberley.
RELATED: Wimberley Formally Opposes 430-Mile Texas Pipeline
Kinder Morgan’s 42-inch, 430-mile proposed pipeline would transport natural gas from Waha in West Texas to the Gulf Coast.
The company has said it will not start construction until all landowners have agreed to the terms in the agreement.
While an entire reroute is unlikely, Kinder Morgan’s Vice President of Public Affairs Allen Fore said the company has made more than 150 minor route adjustments.
Fore also said the landowner contracts would specify that only natural gas would be running through the pipeline.
RELATED: Kinder Morgan Commits to Transporting 'Only Natural Gas' Through Texas Hill Country