Eminent Domain legislative frontier

A group of Iowa Republican lawmakers introduced a package of 6 bills reigning in eminent domain. Supporters say that “These bills will return power to the people, will ensure that our laws are consistent with the values and beliefs of the vast majority of Iowans, and will protect our property from further invasions by private companies.”  The bill package includes House File 238, prohibiting renewal of permits for pipelines transporting liquid carbon dioxide; House File 242, allowing for landowners impacted by eminent domain takings to seek a declaratory review in court, and House File 240, requiring pipeline companies to maintain insurance to cover priority damage.

Opponents include clean energy companies. 

Remember last week when we talked about conservative protests in Oklahoma opposing a transmission line project because of their opposition to clean energy. 

Iowa Capital Dispatch | House GOP lawmakers introduce suite of pipeline bills on IUC, eminent domain issues

Iowa Public Radio | House Republicans introduce legislation to protect landowners against eminent domain