To the Editor:
The future of every Iowan’s right to own private property rests in the hands of Governor Kim Reynolds. At question is whether the Governor will sign HF639 into law to curtail the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines by private companies for profit without public necessity. Hundreds of impacted Iowa landowners anxiously await her decision.
Summit Carbon Solutions has conditional approval to exercise eminent domain to take our land for its Midwest Carbon Express under the authority of the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC). Landowners have pushed back against Summit’s plan since 2021 when we first received certified letters and realized this isn’t “just another pipeline.”
It will not transport oil, natural gas, water, or any other substance needed for public comfort and convenience. Summit’s CO2 pipeline is a private project aimed at reaping hundreds of billions of dollars in taxpayer-funded 45Q carbon credits for every metric ton of CO2 captured and sequestered in the caverns of western North Dakota.
The bill on Governor Reynold’s desk will not stop the construction of Summit’s pipeline. It will, however, curb the use of eminent domain by requiring the company to build its pipeline solely with voluntary easements. Those who do not want a hazardous CO2 pipeline on their property will not be forced to do so. HF639 will also protect landowners from catastrophic monetary loss by requiring pipeline companies to carry liability insurance or pay increased premiums on landowners’ policies in the event of a pipeline break. The bill also addresses land restoration, IUC reform, and limits on CO2 pipeline permit renewal.
A recent poll in The Iowa Standard shows 93 percent of Iowans think the Governor should sign HF639. If Summit Carbon Solutions, a venture capitalist company, succeeds with this unconstitutional land-grab, any Iowa property owner could be the target of the next money-making scheme coming to the state.
This isn’t complicated. Any high school student taking the new Iowa Civics Exam knows the Constitution grants power to use eminent domain to the government alone with just compensation and only for the public good.
Three states on Summit’s route understand this. Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota do not allow eminent domain for CO2 pipelines.
Governor Kim Reynolds has shown the courage needed to speak truth to power many times in the past. By signing HF639, she can ensure her legacy and protect the constitutional property rights of every Iowan by curbing the use of eminent domain for profit without public need.
Respectfully,
Bonnie Ewoldt and Cindy Kruthoff of Crawford Co; Glen Alden, Brenda A. Barr, Terry Thompson Sioux Lawton and Hilary Ziols of Hancock Co; Patty Beyer and Don Johannsen, Cherokee Co; Kathy Carter and Candi Brandau Larson, Floyd Co; Michael Daley, Johnson Co; Paul and Julie Glade, and Marjorie Swan, Wright Co; Anne Gray, Wilmer Hulstein, and Megan Sloma, Sioux Co; Barbara Henning, Buena Vista Co; Janette Henning, Mike Henning, Willard Hostetler and Chris Henning, Greene Co; Wayne and Dee Johnson, Denny and Kerry King, Barb Shomaker, Casey and Lisa Shomaker, Clay Co; Alan Laubenthal, Kossuth Co; Marty and Wanda Maher, Page Co; Tom and Susie McDonald. James and Jan Norris, Peg Rasmussen, Montgomery Co; Kimberly Oldenburger, Blackhawk Co; Raymond & Katherine Stockdale, Hardin Co; Sherri Webb, Shelby Co; and Debbie Wheeler, Page Co.
