Mass Land Acquisition, LLC v. First Jud. Dist. Ct. [State of Nevada], 85693 Nev. Adv. Op. 45 (Oct. 17, 2024)

The Nevada Supreme Court clarified that privately owned utility companies, like NV Energy, can legally use eminent domain to take private property if it’s for a legitimate public purpose, provided it meets statutory requirements. This ruling clarifies that Nevada law allows private companies to take land for public projects such as a natural gas pipeline even if the property goes from one private owner to another. Additionally, the court determined that a jury trial to decide what constitutes “public use” is only necessary if there are genuine factual disputes. Since no significant facts were in dispute in this case, NV Energy could proceed with its pipeline project on Mass Land’s property without a jury trial.