Iowa lawmakers react to Gov. Reynolds' veto of eminent domain, pipeline bill
Gov. Kim Reynolds' veto of House File 639, a bill aimed at halting carbon capture pipeline projects in Iowa, has sparked sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and landowners who have championed the legislation for years.
Marty Maher, a Page County landowner affected by the proposed pipeline, expressed his disappointment with the governor's decision in a news conference with the Sierra Club on Thursday.
"Perhaps your opinion is the result of your lack of leadership on this issue for four years," Maher said.
He and other advocates have been vocal in their opposition to the pipeline and the Governor's handling of the issue.
"Do you care about Iowa landowners as long as a favored corporation is involved in the taking of our land?" Maher said.
The bill's Republican supporters at the statehouse also voiced their frustration, accusing Reynolds of failing to address her concerns with the legislation earlier in the process.
Rep. Steve Holt criticized the veto, stating, "This fight is far from over. And it has exposed, unfortunately, the difference between what I will call country club Republicans and grassroots Republicans who respect landowner rights and the constitution of the state of Iowa."
Reynolds defended her decision, citing "vague legal standards" and potential unintended consequences of the bill.
Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, echoed these concerns, warning that the legislation could have led to a surge in lawsuits during the permitting process and imposed new, unattainable insurance requirements.
Shaw emphasized the importance of carbon capture for Iowa's economy, stating, "Iowa's role as the number one ethanol producer and all the economic benefits that come from that is not guaranteed. And we will lose that, and we will suffer the economic consequences if we don't stay on the cutting edge."
Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind the proposed pipeline, expressed gratitude for the Governor's veto. In a statement, the company said it looks forward to continuing discussions with state leaders about the project, which it claims will open new markets and strengthen America's energy dominance.
