Local and state lawmakers continue to react to Governor Kim Reynolds’ decision to veto a bill that would restrict the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines.
The bill would have increased regulations of Summit Carbon Solutions’ estimated $8.9 billion, 2,500-mile project that cuts across Iowa. The proposed project would cut across western Wright County from north to south and cross southeast into Franklin County.
Wright County Board of Supervisors Chairman Rick Rasmussen tells RadioOnTheGo News he has heard from concerned residents about the proposed project and the veto by Reynolds.
“It’s a tough thing that she (Governor Kim Reynolds) vetoed it because I know it sort of opens up a can of worms where the supervisors will not have much of a say if anyone else wants to come in and they can use eminent domain if this veto does stay into effect. It’s sort of a tough deal. Supposedly it (the pipeline project) will help the grain market out, ethanol plants out in relation to that, it will also generate more tax base for Wright County. As a proposed 2.5 million on our tax base that we can generate, you know, that’s just their (Summit Carbon Solutions) say. We don’t know how much it will really generate.”
Rasmussen says he has not taken a side on the issue but adds the veto takes a lot of control out of the supervisors’ hands.
“It’s a tough thing to swallow. If they (Summit) do go forth with this pipeline, our eminent domain board will have to get in intact to figure out how they’re going to do all this when they’re going across properties that do not want it across their property. And I feel for the people that do not want it across their property, I understand. Of course, they (Summit) always say they’re going to take it out the way it’s layered ground wise so they can put it back perfectly so we won’t lose much for crop reduction. Anytime you disturb soil like that, it does disturb the crop reduction area. There’s a lot that goes into it and I know they’re paying for crop damage for up to five years and hopefully longer if that’s the case.”
Summit has said it has invested over $170 million to enter into voluntary agreements with landowners in Iowa.
