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Iowans warned of unintended consequences of carbon pipeline bill

Representatives of the Iowa Renewable Fuels and Iowa Corn Growers Associations are warning Iowans of unintended consequences if a bill limiting eminent domain for carbon pipelines is signed into law.

Iowa Corn member Vic Miller, who farms in Fayette County, says it’s unfortunate the focus of the bill has largely been on private property rights.

“Rather than looking at long-term market development of products that we produce. Our very viability as corn growers is at stake with this issue.”

He says for U.S. ethanol exports to be competitive on the global market, the carbon intensity score must be reduced.

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association executive director Monte Shaw says they are encouraging Governor Reynolds to veto the bill.

“Even if you didn’t like CO2 pipelines, the provisions in this bill around the lawsuit bonanza and the insurance requirements that would apply to all new projects before the Iowa Utilities Commission would absolutely stifle economic development and opportunity in Iowa. And that alone is enough, put the CO2 debate to the side.”

Iowa House Speaker Pat Grassley supports the legislation and says it would finally give certainty to landowners in the state.