Iowa Pipeline Hearings Halted Amid Eminent Domain Concerns

The proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in Iowa is facing new challenges as the Iowa Utilities Commission moves towards hearings on the second phase of the project. The commission heard comments on Monday from various parties, including landowners and Summit Carbon Transport, an affiliate of Summit Carbon Solutions.

Summit initially intended to carry CO2 from ethanol plants across the Corn Belt to North Dakota for underground storage, but their plan has been derailed by court challenges over the use of eminent domain. The company is now considering destinations in Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and Kansas, which would be a significant departure from its original climate-conscious pitch.

Multiple landowners along the proposed pipeline route argued that it's too soon for the commission to set a hearing schedule, citing concerns about the lack of clarity on the project's purpose and destination. They also pointed out that Summit should decide on the final destination before any additional dockets are heard.