Colonial Pipeline Co. v. Neill

BRANCH, Justice.

The single question presented by this appeal is whether G.S. 62-190 confers the right of eminent domain on interstate pipeline companies such as Colonial.

It is well settled that the power of eminent domain is inherent in sovereignty. Morganton v. Hutton & Bourbonnais Co., 251 N.C. 531, 112 S.E. 2d 111 (1960). The Legislature has the right to determine what portion of this sovereign power it will delegate to public or private corporations to be used for public benefit. State v. Club Properties, 275 N.C. 328, 167 S.E. 2d 385 (1969); Morganton v. Hutton & Bourbonnais Co., supra.…