(Des Moines) The state legislature is one step closer to holding a special session regarding eminent domain.
Governor Kim Reynolds recently vetoed a controversial bill that would restrict the use of eminent domain for private projects. This prompted the Iowa House to collect enough signatures for a special session meeting to override Reynolds ‘ decision. However, the state Senate will have to do the same before both chambers can convene. This would be the first session to override an Iowa governor’s veto in nearly 20 years.
House File 639 advanced from the Senate on May 13, following four years of effort from a group of landowners and House lawmakers. The bill would do several things, including requiring carbon sequestration projects to prove they are a common carrier and to use eminent domain. The bill would also increase the insurance requirements for CO2 pipeline operators to cover any accidental or intentional discharges, as well as any insurance rate increases that landowners face due to the pipeline. The bill additionally requires Iowa Utilities Commissioners to be present at all hearings and expands the scope of who may intervene in IUC proceedings.
Those opposed to the project argue that a private company should not be granted the right to condemn agricultural land. South Dakotans recently codified that opinion with a law that bans explicitly CO2 pipelines from being taken under the right of eminent domain, which has caused Summit to reevaluate its path through the state.
Opponents of the bill include farming organizations such as the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, who argue that the legislation would prevent Iowa from entering the ultra-low carbon ethanol market.
This loss of market, they argue, would in turn hurt Iowa farmers and the state’s economy.
