Energy Transfer sued Exxon in Liberty County over Exxon's construction of the Beaumont Connector Pipeline across and close to Energy Transfer's existing easements and pipelines, alleging unsafe construction practices. The parties signed a January 2023 settlement setting minimum safety standards, and Energy Transfer says Exxon broke it in February 2023 when it received the estimated cost of compliance.¹

The trial court granted a temporary injunction after a three-day hearing; while Exxon's appeal was pending, construction ended and Energy Transfer moved to dismiss the appeal as moot. The Ninth Court of Appeals (Beaumont) denied that motion and reversed the injunction as vague in two provisions (2024 WL 5087334). Energy Transfer petitioned for review February 6, 2025, the parties settled, and on May 16, 2025 the Court granted their joint motion in part.

Petition for review from the Ninth Court of Appeals in an appeal from a temporary injunction; disposed under Rule 56.3 on a joint motion to dismiss pursuant to settlement (May 16, 2025 orders). See the concurring opinion issued in No. 24-0206, Megatel C90-2, Inc. v. Bank of Utah.

Whether an appellate court may decide the merits of a temporary injunction that is moot after construction ended, and whether the injunction was vague or overbroad.¹

Sunoco Pipeline, Orbit Gulf Coast NGL Exports and Energy Transfer GC NGL Pipelines (Petitioners): the injunction expired when construction ended and the court of appeals lacked jurisdiction, and in any event it was no more vague than similar injunctions other courts have affirmed.¹

Not applicable; the case ended on a motion.

None noted