Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Al Green (TX-9) announced his co-sponsorship of HR 3135, the Private Property Rights Protection Act, to protect the property rights of all Americans and, as he stated, “this bill will help put an end to the opportunity for abusive land grabs that can unfairly benefit private special interest.” This bi-partisan legislation would prevent the use of invidious economic development as a justification for exercising power of eminent domain.

Green expressed support for maintaining a distinction between private and public use of property. “Property rights are similar to civil rights. We can not allow the seizure of private property for personal economic gain. Individual freedom is at risk when people are being stripped of their rights to exercise autonomy over their own private property,” Green said.

HR 3135 was introduced as a result of the Supreme Courts 5-4 decision in Kelo v. City of New London in which it held that “economic development” can be a “public use” under the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause justifying the government’s taking of private property. This legislation would also prohibit using economic development as a justification for exercising the power of eminent domain whenever federal funds are used.

The NAACP, AARP, religious organizations, and the American Farm Bureau have voiced strong opposition to “economic development” being deemed “public use” for the purpose of obtaining private property. Green added, “Unfortunately, the most likely victims will be those who are at an economic disadvantage.”