HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 6162-09-2025A Resolution
NO. 6162-09-2025
AUTHORIZING THE RETENTION OF THE CANTEY HANGER LAW FIRM
(CANTEY HANGER LLP) AS LEGAL COUNSEL FOR LITIGATION IN
MATTERS RELATED TO A RUPTURED PETROLEUM PIPELINE OWNED
AND OPERATED BY ENERGY TRANSFER LP AND PERMIAN EXPRESS
PARTNERS LLC AND AUTHORIZING PAYMENT OF COUNSEL FEES AND
RETAINING THIRD PARTY CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE THE CITY AND
OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL.
WHEREAS, the Fort Worth City Council on September 16th , 2025,
ordered and decreed that a necessity exists to retain the assistance of outside counsel
with knowledge and expertise in complex energy law matters related to pipelines,
energy production, and operations; and
WHEREAS, the petroleum pipeline, owned and operated by Energy Transfer
LP and Permian Express Partners LLC, ruptured on May 5, 2025, near the
intersection of Boswell Drive and Texas Highway 180 in Arlington, causing the
infiltration of over 277,200 gallons of oil into the Village Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant, per reports filed with the Texas Railroad Commission, and
WHEREAS, it is possible that legal issues related to the ruptured petroleum
pipeline could lead to litigation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Fort Worth has incurred or will be forced to incur
significant costs in its emergency response and recovery efforts to repair damage
caused by the petroleum pipeline rupture; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Fort Worth finds that it is in the
public interest to seek recovery for the costs of its emergency response, recovery
efforts, and repair of damages caused by the ruptured petroleum pipeline from the
owners and operators responsible for the discharge of crude oil that damaged City -
owned sewer line as well as the City of Fort Worth's Village Creek Wastewater
Treatment Plant; and
WHEREAS, because of the extraordinary complexity of this area of law, the
City Manager and the City Attorney recommend that the City retain outside legal
counsel with knowledge and expertise in matters involving pipelines, energy
production, and operations; and
WHEREAS, Cantey Hanger possesses the required knowledge and expertise
in energy law; and
WHEREAS, Cantey Hanger has successfully represented the City in past
litigation related to real estate.
WHEREAS, it is estimated that $250,000.00 will be needed for the legal
services necessary to recover City costs related to the ruptured petroleum pipeline
including the possibility of initiating or defending against litigation in state and/or
federal court.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF FORT WORTH, TEXAS:
The City is authorized to retain Cantey Hanger as outside legal counsel
pursuant to Chapter VI, Section 3 of the City Charter to assist and represent the City
in matters related to complex energy law matters, including, if necessary, initiating
or defending litigation.
Adopted this 16th day of September 2025.
ATTEST:
By:
Jannette S. Goodall, City Secretary
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