State Rep. Thomson Concerned for Economic, Safety Impacts of Carbon Pipeline in Charles City

 The top Republican in the Iowa House says the state’s eminent domain laws must be updated in response to the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) decision to approve the route for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline.

The IUB’s decision gives the company authority to force unwilling property owners to let the pipeline on their land and House Speaker Pat Grassley of New Hartford says “landowner rights are one of the highest priorities” for House Republicans, which is why they passed two different eminent domain bills during the 2024 legislative session. Yet, both bills died in the Republican-led Iowa Senate.

State Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City is among the 32 legislators who signed a statement last week calling the IUB’s decision “a dark day for anyone who owns property in Iowa.”

Thomson says he’s also concerned about economic impacts on the Avenue of the Saints Development Park in Charles City.

There are also safety issues in the event of a pipeline break.

State Senator Sandy Salmon of Waverly, who’s district also includes Chickasaw County and most of Floyd County, also signed the anti-IUB pledge.

Supporters say the pipeline will help Iowa-produced ethanol compete in low carbon fuel markets around the globe. According to Summit’s CEO, 75% of Iowa landowners along the pipeline route have signed contracts to let the pipeline pass through their property.