LETTER: Do NOT sign easements with pipeline companies

Americans For Prosperity looking for a passionate advocate for liberty to join our team as a Grassroots Engagement Director. You will identify, recruit, and lead volunteers in voter-contact activity as our activist base holds our elected officials accountable. There are multiple opportunities across Iowa with one of the largest and established grassroots efforts in the nation. For these permanent field staff positions we offer an industry leading benefits package, flexible work schedule, and the opportunity to make meaningful public policy change. We Have Grassroots Engagement Director Openings In: • Iowa – Cedar Rapids • Iowa – Des Moines Please feel free to apply today or contact a recruiter to discuss more options by booking a call with a recruiter here (Be sure to mention you heard about this opportunity through the Iowa Standard). Looking for something different? Check out other opportunities at AFP here. AFP-IOWA! - LEARN MORE!

***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! If you’ve ever used the phrase “Fake News” — now YOU can actually DO something about it! You can also support us on PayPal at newsdesk@theiowastandard.com or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250

Iowa legislators pulled an eminent domain bill before it got to the floor, but say they will call a special session to protect landowner rights if a large number of easements are not signed.  The legislation could also be brought to the Ways and Means Committee or added to another Bill in this session. Meanwhile, CO2 pipeline companies are working feverishly to get my fellow landowners to sign easements. What Summit won’t tell you:

1. Landowners are liable if a pipeline ruptures. Verify, in writing, from your insurance company if you are covered, or could even get coverage.
2. CRP land; FSA offices are telling landowners they will have to pay back money if the landowner signs a voluntary easement, and their land will no longer be allowed in the program.
3. You lose what you want to do above, on, and under your land, within legal context, forever.
4. There is no guarantee pipelines will help ethanol meet low carbon fuel markets.
5. There are other ways to reduce ethanol’s carbon footprint.  Ethanol plants can capture and sell carbon dioxide without using massive taxpayer dollars to fund pipelines.
6. The permit for carbon underground storage in North Dakota has not been approved, nor the pipeline in any of the states between North Dakota and Iowa.
7. Safety concerns; there has never been a CO2 pipeline of this length and high pressure.
8. You may get more money from the Iowa condemnation process, than from a voluntary easement.
9. The easement has been legally reviewed, it favors Summit, not the landowner.

To stop the pipelines, object to your state senator, representative, Governor Reynolds, and the Iowa Utility Board. The IUB states, all landowners who do not write objections through email or letter, will be considered pro-pipeline. Most importantly, DO NOT SIGN EASEMENTS

Deb Lavalle

Hardin Co. Landowner

Author: Letter To the editor