Over the past 5 years, Iowans have demanded stronger protections against government enabled takings for private gain. Despite overwhelming public support, last year Governor Reynolds vetoed the bill. This year, the House passed House File 2104 which bans the use of eminent domain for carbon oxide pipelines by a decisive 64-28 vote.
The bill now sits in the Senate, where leadership has pushed to grandfather Summit Carbon Solutions and preserve eminent domain authority. I strongly oppose that path.
Instead, ten fellow senators and I filed Senate Amendment 5190 as a principled compromise that honors Iowa’s deep commitment to property rights:
- Prohibits the use of eminent domain for carbon oxide pipelines,
- Encourages voluntary easements within a 5-mile corridor, with added flexibility to companies pursing infrastructure projects, and
- Strengthens notice and transparency requirements for affected families and local governments.
This amendment incorporates good ideas from multiple sides while refusing to weaken constitutional protections. Inaction is not an option, and the people of Iowa are watching. It is past time to finally address this issue and protect Iowa property rights.
As our State Motto reminds us, our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain.
