Valero Eastex Pipeline Co. v. Jarvis

HOLCOMB, Justice.

This is an appeal from a land condemnation proceeding brought by Valero Eastex Pipeline Co. (“Valero”) to condemn a permanent pipeline easement on land owned by Ben E. Jarvis, Julietta Jarvis, Sarah Jarvis Jones, Annell Melton Schoenvogel, and Eleanor Melton Cameron (the “landowners”). After the close of evidence, the trial court sua sponte removed the case from the jury and rendered judgment that the easement condemned by Valero was temporary in nature and dismissed all remaining issues. The trial court did not award the landowners any damages for the temporary taking. We…