Letter to the Editor: Iowa private property rights rest in Reynolds’ hands

The future of every Iowan’s right to own private property rests in the hands of Gov. 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 the metric tons of CO2 captured and sequestered in the caverns of western North Dakota.

The bill on Gov. 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% 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.

Gov. 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,

Kathy Carter, Floyd County

Candi Brandau Larson, Floyd County

Glen Alden, Hancock County

Brenda A. Barr, Hancock County

Patty Beyer, Cherokee County

Michael Daly, Johnson County

Bonnie Ewoldt, Crawford County

Paul & Julie Glade, Wright County

Anne Gray, Sioux County

Barbara Henning, Buena Vista County

Janette Henning, Greene County

Mike Henning, Greene County

Willard Hostetler, Greene County

Wilmer Hulstein, Sioux County

Don Johannsen, Cherokee County

Wayne and Dee Johnson, Clay County

Denny & Kerry King, Clay County

Cindy Kruthoff, Crawford County

Alan Laubenthal, Kossuth County

Sioux Lawton, Hancock County

Marty & Wanda Maher, Page County

Tom & Susie McDonald, Montgomery County

James & Jan Norris, Montgomery County

Kimberly Oldenburger, Blackhawk County

Mary Powell, Shelby County