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Hydrogen exploration in Iowa moves forward under new state guidelines

Iowa lawmakers have signed off on new guidelines for companies that want to tap hydrogen beneath the ground.

State Senator Derek Wulf, a Republican from Hudson, says the measure creates a consistent framework and strengthens protections for farmers and landowners above those deposits.

“Hydrogen is not some far off idea anymore. It is quickly becoming one of the most important pieces of the future of new energy economy whether we’re talking about fertilizer production, industrial use or new low carbon fuels,” Wulf said. “…Iowa is well positioned to be part of that future.”

Companies would need approval from at least a quarter of landowners over a hydrogen formation before moving forward with exploration or drilling. Republican Senator Mike Bousselot of Ankeny says every landowner involved would receive compensation.

“Landowners, regardless of whether or not that drill is on their property, would be compensated for hydrogen that is produced from underneath their land,” Bousselot said.

The measure would tax hydrogen production and give companies up to five years to keep operational details private. Democratic Representative Elinor Levin of Iowa City says companies need to be transparent about conditions like radioactivity in the area.

“More than anything what it does is it protects Iowa’s groundwater and aquifers,” Levin said, “and it ensures that our state will have access to the data we need about what’s going on underneath our feet.”

Companies say they may have to drill as deep as two miles to tap hydrogen deposits believed to sit under about 28 percent of Iowa.

(Additional reporting by O. Kay Henderson/Radio Iowa)