Iowa House Urges Senate to Limit Eminent Domain for CO2 Pipelines

Iowa House lawmakers are pushing for legislation that would impose strict restrictions on eminent domain for carbon capture pipeline projects, particularly targeting Summit Carbon Solutions' proposed $8.9 billion pipeline. The House has advanced several bills aimed at protecting landowners' rights, including a complete ban on eminent domain for agricultural lands and limiting pipeline permits to 25 years without renewal. This movement follows a recent law in South Dakota that prohibits eminent domain for similar projects, raising concerns about the legality of Summit's pipeline in Iowa. Republican lawmakers, organized as the Republican Legislative Intervenors for Justice, are urging constituents to contact Senate members to garner support for these protective measures. Despite previous efforts to pass such legislation, similar bills have faced challenges in the Republican-led Senate. Lawmakers assert that addressing the misuse of eminent domain is crucial for safeguarding property rights in Iowa.