Republican Interveners Question Carbon Pipeline Safety, Easements

The Republican Legislative Interveners for Justice are challenging Summit Carbon Solutions’ request for a permit to build almost 700 miles of underground carbon capture pipeline in Iowa.

Among their chief concerns is the public safety aspect in the event of a pipeline rupture. Attorney and State Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City, an Intervener, says Summit’s lack of disclosure of the project’s risks could make the voluntary easements signed by landowners invalid.

Thomson adds that he’s talked with landowners which signed easements early in the process, who are now having “buyer’s remorse” about the pipeline and the perceived benefits of carbon dioxide sequestration.

Over the last seven weeks, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has been hearing testimony on Summit’s pipeline permit application. If approved, it would allow Summit to use eminent domain to secure the remaining land needed to build the pipeline.

Thomson says he anticipates eminent domain legislation to be a big topic when the Iowa legislative session convenes in January.

Thomson says the state also needs to look at whether the IUB should have the authority to grant eminent domain. 

Thomson’s House District 58 includes all of Chickasaw County and most of Floyd County, both of which are targeted for construction of Summit’s proposed pipeline route.