Introduction

In this article we analyze the complexities involving the legal framework concerning land access to energy companies and intend to contribute toward feasible solutions to this challenge. 

Thus, the scope of our approach is the following:

• To describe the opportunities and challenges facing Mexican energy projects and how these may be hindered by “over surface” risks involving land use;
• Provide an in depth analysis of the current legal framework involving other land use rights in Mexico in light of the experience of one electricity and two natural gas pipeline projects, which have suffered many trials and tribulations as they move forward through the maze of land rules and regulations.

This paper will be part of the OGEL Special Issue on "Social Licence to Operate (SLO) in the Extractive and Energy Sectors". More information here www.ogel.org/news.asp?key=571