Iowa Governor Vetoes Carbon Pipeline Restriction Bill

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed House File 639, a bill that would have imposed new restrictions on the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, specifically affecting the Summit Carbon Solutions project. The legislation, supported by landowners after years of advocacy, passed both legislative chambers and would have required pipeline projects to demonstrate they serve the public interest and qualify as 'common carriers' to use eminent domain. Reynolds argued the bill was too broad and could hurt Iowa’s economic development and energy reliability, stating that eminent domain should only be a last resort. The veto frustrated many landowners whose properties are affected, while industry supporters, including the ethanol sector, see the pipeline as vital for the state’s agricultural economy. Summit Carbon Solutions claims to have reached many voluntary agreements with property owners. Despite strong House support, a veto override is unlikely due to Senate opposition and a narrow margin of passage.