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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is vetoing House File 639, that would've prevented private land being taken by eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines.
The bill would've prevented Summit Carbon Solutions from building its pipeline in Iowa using eminent domain.
In a statement, the Governor says the bill sets a precedent that threatens Iowa's energy reliability, economy, and reputation as a place that businesses can invest with confidence.
You can read the Governor's full statement on the veto of this bill HERE.
Speaker Pat Grassley has also put out a statement saying:
I have sent a request to all members to sign a petition to reconvene the legislature in a special session to override the Governor's veto. This veto is a major setback for Iowa. It is a setback not only for landowners who have been fighting across Iowa, but for the work the House of Representatives has put in for four years to get legislation like HF 639 passed. We will not stop fighting and stand firm on our commitment until landowners' in Iowa are protected against Eminent Domain for private gain.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw put on a statement about the veto:
IRFA is deeply grateful for Governor Reynolds’ veto of HF639. This is a classic example of why our system of government has checks and balances. Any thoughtful review of this bill would determine that it would lead to higher energy prices for Iowans, hamper future economic development, hold back job creation, and stifle new markets for Iowa farmers. IRFA thanks Gov. Reynolds for listening to Iowans, studying the actual legislation, and ignoring the rhetoric that was as inaccurate as it was loud.
American Petroleum Institute Midwest Director Mike Karbo issued a statement:
There are more than 42,000 miles of oil and natural gas pipelines running through the state. Over 90,000 Iowans are employed directly or indirectly in the oil and natural gas industry and support nearly $10 billion in economic activity. However, since there are no refineries in the state, critical energy infrastructure, such as pipelines, are crucial in ensuring Iowans have a reliable source of energy, and certainty is needed to develop the infrastructure network. The vetoed bill had unprecedented and unfeasible requirements for infrastructure development and would have created significant uncertainty in future projects. We thank the governor for doing what is right for the future of energy development in the state and look forward to working with her administration, the legislature, Iowa landowners, and impacted stakeholders to continue to build a strong infrastructure system.
Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner responded to the veto, saying:
I’m disappointed by the governor’s veto of HF639, but, unfortunately, I cannot say I’m surprised. There is simply no amount of political posturing or legislative stonewalling that can deny the fact that Iowans’ right to private property should never be infringed upon for private gain.