Commission approves 50‑foot pipeline easement across portions of J.D. Murphree WMA; public commenter urges broader stakeholder engagement

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission on March 27 authorized a pipeline easement across portions of the J.D. Murphy Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Jefferson County to accommodate a proposed Sabine Crossing LLC pipeline route.

Whitney Gann, WMA facilities coordinator with the wildlife division, said the JD Murphy WMA totals approximately 25,500 acres and that the requested easement would cross the Big Hill unit. Sabine Crossing LLC requested a 50‑foot‑wide easement across roughly 8,900 feet (about 10 acres) and staff said the crossing would be completed via two horizontal directional drills with a shared entry/exit midpoint near the center of the crossing. A surface use agreement would govern construction access and restoration measures.

Gann told commissioners that as of the morning the agency had received seven public responses: three in agreement and four in opposition; those who opposed cited a general objection to easements on state lands. The commission also heard public comment from Mrs. Emmick, who identified herself as representing Blue Creek Whitetails and the Texas Deer Coalition. Emmick addressed the commission for three minutes and urged commissioners to recognize stakeholder impacts and to involve affected landowners and industry stakeholders in rule‑making and decision processes. Her remarks criticized perceived unequal treatment of stakeholders and urged greater inclusion of groups that rely on natural gas and land access.

Commissioner Able moved approval of the resolution; Rolling seconded. The commission voted by voice with ayes recorded and no opposition, and the motion carried. Staff said a service use agreement will govern construction and access during pipeline installation and that staff will finalize easement terms with the applicant.