Republican State Rep. Charley Thomson of Charles City, alongside three dozen other Republican legislators, is leading an appeal against a recent decision by the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC), authorizing a major carbon pipeline project in the state, Gray Television Iowa Capitol Bureau has reported.
Last month, the commission authorized Summit Carbon Solutions to use eminent domain for a carbon capture pipeline, allowing access to land even from unwilling owners.
Thomson criticized the IUC, previously the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), for approving the project without fully addressing safety concerns and the purported public benefits.
He expressed skepticism about the project’s ambitious carbon capture goals—namely, that it will reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions equivalent to removing 4 million cars from the roads annually.
The pipeline is set to traverse over a third of Iowa’s counties, sparking widespread concern.
Local governments and numerous landowners argue that not all affected parties had a chance to voice their concerns.
Relevant: Iowa Approves Summit Carbon Solutions CO2 Pipeline Project
Thomson emphasized that residents near but not directly on the pipeline route were excluded from discussions, despite potential safety risks.
Furthermore, Steve Kenkel of the Shelby County Board of Supervisors expressed concerns about the pipeline’s impact on economic development.
He argued that new residential and commercial properties, crucial for the county’s tax base and growth, could be negatively affected.
Despite Summit’s claims that the project will bring an $8 billion investment and has already secured agreements from 75% of landowners, local leaders and legislators demand a thorough reassessment.
Thomson insisted on the necessity of protecting dissenting voices and said the group is prepared to explore legal options if the IUC refuses to reconsider its approval.
The commission has 30 days to respond to the appeal.
Read more: Summit Gets Approval From Iowa Regulators For Carbon Pipeline
