A bill aimed at making sure eminent domain isn’t used in regards to underground carbon dioxide pipelines passed the House, and was reviewed and amended by the Senate.

House District 23 Representative Ray Sorensen says that between the two versions, he is more in favor of what the House originally passed, stating that it put Iowa land owners first, and put tough, practical limits on the use of eminent domain. He shares with Raccoon Valley Radio part of what he sees wrong with the revised version from the other legislative chamber.

“The Senate changes watered that down in ways I just don’t agree with. So take the 90 percent voluntary easement rule from the House Bill. It meant companies had to negotiate and secure nearly all the pipeline route through willing agreements before even thinking about forcing anyone out. Now that’s a high bar, but it respects property rights and ensures eminent domain isn’t just a shortcut for profit-driven firms. The Senate axed that entirely, leaving landowners with less leverage and more risk losing their land.”

Sorensen explains that another amendment that he disagrees with is that the bill was expanded to include electrical power generation, transmission lines and other projects, which he says muddies the waters on what needs to be focused on, and opens the door to looser oversight across industries. He adds that he understands the intent, but that at this time, the underground carbon dioxide pipelines are what Iowans are worried about, and what legislators need to take a stance on.

Sorensen mentions that another part of the bill that was changed was the removal of the requirement of a 25 year permit, where once the permit expired, it could not be renewed or extended. He states that in the House version where this was required, it meant that companies would have to give a clear, long-term purpose for the project, and that there was the possibility for families or future owners to get the land back.

The bill remains in the Senate for consideration.