San Angelo Man Sues Atmos Energy Over Pipeline

SAN ANGELO, TX — A San Angelo property owner sued Atmos Energy Corporation, alleging the utility’s proposed pipeline project exceeds the scope of its easement rights on his land. 

Richard Womack, who represented himself, filed the Original Petition for Declaratory Judgment, Trespass and Injunctive Relief on June 19 in Tom Green County District Court. Womack owns the property on Grape Creek Road. 

In the petition, Womack stated he does not dispute that Atmos Energy holds certain easement rights. However, he contended the company has not clearly identified the legal basis for its proposed construction and that the project may involve work outside the historically occupied pipeline corridor on his property. He sent a cease-and-desist letter to Atmos in February requesting project documentation. 

Womack sought a declaratory judgment clarifying the parties’ rights and obligations regarding the easement and proposed project. He also requested temporary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent construction activities that exceed Atmos Energy’s lawful rights, along with costs and attorney’s fees. 

According to court records, a Temporary Restraining Order was issued June 22 but dissolved by the court on June 26 after Atmos Energy filed an emergency motion to dissolve it. A hearing on Womack’s request for a temporary injunction was held shortly after. A follow-up Temporary Orders Hearing scheduled for July 10 was canceled, and no temporary injunction was granted, so Atmos Energy will presumably be able to move forward with its work.