The battle over House File 639 continues to intensify after Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed the bill on Wednesday. The legislation aims at the use of eminent domain in Iowa, a topic that’s become increasingly contentious amid proposals for carbon capture pipelines across the state. Reynolds’ decision directly opposes a measure passed by a legislature dominated by her own Republican Party. The move has sparked strong reactions from both supporters of private property rights and backers of large-scale energy infrastructure.
As expected, the biofuels industry applauded the governor’s veto. Supporters of the carbon capture pipeline argue it’s the Midwest’s best shot at keeping ethanol competitive with foreign-produced fuel, particularly from countries like Brazil that already benefit from established carbon sequestration systems. Industry leaders say the pipeline is key to securing ethanol’s long-term market position.
Summit Carbon Solutions, the chief architect behind the pipeline project, quickly released a statement praising the governor’s decision. The company emphasized its ongoing work with landowners and noted the substantial payments already made.
“We thank the Governor and her staff for their thoughtful and thorough review of the bill. Summit remains committed to working with landowners through voluntary agreements, just as we have with more than 1,300 Iowa landowners to date, resulting in $175 million in payments. We look forward to continued discussions with state leaders as we advance this important project. At a time when farmers are facing increasing pressures, this project opens the door to new markets and helps strengthen America’s energy dominance for the long term.”
However, not every farmer along the proposed route has agreed to sign easement deals and now faces the possibility of having their land rights seized through eminent domain. Some agricultural groups have also voiced concern. The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association released a statement expressing disappointment in the governor’s decision. ICA CEO Bryan Whaley tells IARN that while the group isn’t opposed to the project itself, they are deeply concerned about protecting private property rights, particularly in a case where eminent domain could be used to benefit a private company rather than a public utility.
Whaley says the main issue with House File 639 was the complex language that bundled together multiple sections of Iowa’s regulatory code. Despite that, he says the eminent domain provisions were the driving force behind the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association’s support for the bill.
Large-scale projects like the carbon capture pipeline come with a complex web of interests, concerns, and consequences. There will always be strong voices on both sides—those pushing for progress and those fighting to protect their rights. Governor Reynolds’ veto may shape the immediate path forward, but it won’t end the broader debate. In the long run, striking a balance between advancing industry goals and safeguarding landowner rights will be key.
LISTEN TO FULL INTERVIEW WITH ICA CEO BRYAN WHALEY HERE:
