Meeting Public Comments

Robert Nazario

I ask the committee to completely reject this UNCONSTITUTIONAL BILL! The many thing the Iowa Swamp/CABAL has done to provide private corporations with the opportunity to "take" what is not theirs to take! Read through the many pages... Incredible. Too many of us that have been following the private property issues in Iowa and the greater Midwest. This bill facilitates the unconstitutional land grab! By now proclaiming it's for energy or can be used for energy or any economic development the Iowa CABAL believes they can hand over the rights of condemnation for the taking of private property. To illegally and unconstitutionally subvert the founding parchments of this Republic, ordain by GOD himself, for the benefit of a few high rollers. Patriots must wake and come against the state tyranny we see today! Stand against those among you that took the Oath of Office and yet assist others in the trampling of our God Given Constitutionally Protected Rights. You know who they are, few in numbers but wield the power to stop good legislation while on the other hand promote bills that facilitate the trampling our freedoms/rights etc. This is the hill to die on! How long will the people not see through the clouds that obscure a proper discernment. You are either a Patriot or part of the Iowa Establishment/Swamp. Towards the bottom of the second page: *** "The commission shall also approve a contract if it finds that the contract will promote economic development within the state." Legislators takes an Oath of Office and yet they justify the trampling of your Constitutional Rights granted to us not by government but by God! For Public Use means only one thing! The Constitution doesnt say for public interest, for public good, for economic development or for public benefit! it says FOR PUBLIC USE. 5th last part! "nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation." If youre not going to support and defend the Constitution and honor your OATH of OFFICE, get out of the way! Its Never Ok to Trample The Rights of Hardworking Americans. This bill is being fast track for a reason.... Reminds me of the Pelosi bill, "let's pass it to see what's in it! Bottom of Page Two: It is also the intent of the general assembly to encourage rateregulated public utilities to consider altering existing electric power generating facilities, where when reasonable, to manage carbon emission intensity in order to facilitate the transition to a carbonconstrained environment. IT IS TIME FOR PATRIOTS to unite and fight against the climate hoax the former Senator Waylon Brown of district 30 and last chair of the senate commerce committee and others, (few) in that same committee, have embraced for their own agenda! The Carbon Intensity Score, Carbon Footprint and Net Zero Carbon are pipe dreams. It is just made up voodoo math and only reflected on paper but yet many will profit from the scheme. Through Carbon Capture and Sequestration and the pretense that it's needed for sustainable aviation fuel, to lower carbon intensity score and open new markets for corn and/or for enhance oil recover so we better just ram our project through Iowa and "take" the land we need under duress. The folks of Iowa and the greater Midwest deserve more from our public servants. Many families have owned their ground for many generations and have bleed and toiled over their ground for many years, much blood sweat and tears. Their Land is not for the taking. Legislators, the servant of the people, have a duty to pass legislation that protect the people of Iowa and not succumb to the lust of the eyes, the pride of life and the lust for power or greed. I implore you to Stop this legislation and any and all legislation that on the surface is UNCONSTITUTIONAL PROTECT THE PEOPLE and live up to the MOTTO! Our Liberties we prize and our Rights We Will Maintain.... Help us Maintain those Rights

Debra Freeman [Iowa taxpayer, voter, landowner]

Please vote no to HSB123. Please do whats right and protect private property owners from Eminent Domain taking of private homes, property and land for any private business enterprise.Iowas resources land and water need to be protected from urban sprawl and corporate greed.Please, please do not allow this bill to jeopardize private property owners. Please vote no to HSB123. This is a frightful development when a person can push a new bill through congress in such a secret way, a bill that pretends to be important, but really is only meant to benefit corporate greed.

Janet Miller

As an Iowan with deep roots in our state's agricultural traditions, I am compelled to voice my strong opposition to HSB123. This bill resurrects the troubling legacy of the Kelo v. City of New London decision by prioritizing economic development over the sacrosanct rights of individual property owners.The passage of HSB123 would pave the way for large corporations to exploit eminent domain, posing a direct threat to landowners and jeopardizing the very foundations of Iowas economy and community life. Historical evidence shows that prioritizing corporate interests over individual rights rarely fulfills its economic promises, often leading instead to community disruption and forced displacement.I emphatically urge you to vote "No" on HSB123. Defending private property rights is essential not only to Iowas current economic vitality but also to preserving the integrity and heritage of our communities. Join us in this crucial effort to safeguard the rights and future of all Iowans.

J Johnsten

Please vote no on HSB 123. It is your duty to protect the rights of all Iowans, including property rights. This bill would allow the use of eminent domain for anything that could be construed/represented as being 'public use' or 'for public good'. With the right wording (or financial backing, it seems) nearly anything could be argued to fit those definitions. It is your duty to protect & defend Iowans, & that includes control of the land they own.

Caila Corcoran

Do the right thing and protect the people of Iowa before it is far too late where the citizens of Iowa will not have private property rights.

Alan Laubenthal

Vote No on this bill!!! When is the injustice going to stop and someone stand up for property rights in this state?? Iowa will become the dumping grounds of any potential economic program, and steal privately owned land of Iowans in the process. How could any elected official think this is a good idea?? Vote NO to HSB123, it is your duty!!

Todd Hocraffer

HSB 123 is nothing more than a veiled attempt to remove the rights of oppositional voices against the use of eminent domain by corporations bought and paid for by PAC money. Who's interests are truly at heart here? 'Economic development'? Hog wash. Literally hog wash. Expand the definition of what that means and any ag or 'energy' company can seize land for profiteering. The constitutional rights of ANY landowner in Iowa is at risk if this proceeds. The ag and energy corporate interests and their profits are being forced on us in spite of "no meaning no" by hundreds of families trying to protect their families, communities, homes, schools, and heritage farms from an 'economic development' farce of a pipeline. Corporate are the only interests being protected at the cost of Iowa taxpayers. Every single property owner in this state will be at risk, unless of course you donate enough PAC money, for eminent domain threat. A commission will decide what is deemed 'economic development'? Appointed by who? Nepotism? Dollars? Special interest? Semantics. Conjecture. But that's the whole point, correct? To control the opposition. Do not pass HSB123 at the cost to the people of Iowa. "Iowans should be able to wake up in the morning and not worry about what our government is doing to us". Unless your voice is in disagreement of corporate economic development costs passed on to people, and why government is making up the rules to silence the rights and voices of opposing Iowans. VOTE NO to HSB123.

Bill Reyhons

Never in my wildest dreams when I bought my farm worked hard to pay for did I think there was a chance a foreign backed company with the help of the iowa state government could come around and take control and try to tell me what's right for my property.vote no for shb 123. It's designed to strip property rights of private landowners for a private company.read the constitution and follow our forefathers direction.

Candice Brandau Larson

I urge you to vote NO on HSB123! The bill is constructed to violate MY PROPERTY RIGHTS! Whether it be a pipeline, a wind turbine, or Caseys, all they have to do is claim they can make more money than me and they get to take my land?!My Native American ancestors were stripped of their land, their livelihood and their pride. This bill brings us dangerously close to that same point in history. All in the name of economic development. Call it what it is. CORPORATE GREED!

Cristy Tass

Please Vote NO to this bill.Protection of property owners supercedes anything else you do as elected officials. Thank you!

Lori Stiles

Please reject this bill, HSB 123, for all the reasons already cited above. Thank you.

Dennis Keifer

Protect peoples property rights, vote no on HSB123

Darlene Eaton

I urge you to vote no on HSB123. We do not need any carbon capture pipelines and/or wind turbines in our state. This bill would give a green light to ANY project deemed an economic benefit. Economic benefit for projects should not supersede private citizens and their property. I am very disappointed in Govenor Reynolds for proposed this bill. I voted for her to protect Iowans, not big "green" energy companies and their owners. Please vote the will of Iowans, vote NO.

Patricia Points

As a citizen of the state of Iowa, I humbly beg you to vote NO and reject HSB 123. We must stand together and protect the rights of our citizens, our future and our precious land.

Lisa Dircks

NO NO NO to bill HSB123 !!! This bill would approve any project to use eminent domain for a perceived "public benefit". This bill supports big energy interests and not private property rights for Iowans. Stop this NOW!! Protect Iowans Private Property rights!!

Brian Chambers [Land owner /Fire Chief]

Coming to the floor tomorrow is a terribly unconstitutional bill that will allow eminent domain to be allowed on all green energy projects. This is unthinkable, eminent domain was established to allow governments ( with the general publics agreement) to acquire land for public projects that would improve the lives of all Iowans. This bill allows private for profit entities to use eminent domain to steal my land and my rights from me. Generations of Iowan's worked their whole lives clearing the best farmland in the world for agriculture production. Im a 3rd generation farmer who has farmed in Floyd County my whole life, planted my first crop in 1977, my son a 4th generation farmer planted his first crop in 2015. This is our dirt, we have worked, sweated, prayed and bled for our ground. I pay my taxes and volunteer for my communities. 37 years I have been a proud member of the Marble Rock Fire/Rescue Department, the last 15 as Chief. I dont want my firefighters risking their lives responding to a pipeline emergency that was installed against the will of the Floyd County residents. We are the people who will pay the price if this horrible legislation passes, not the multimillion dollar companies who have no vested interest in us other than to steal our land rights. Thats it in a nut shell, we have the right under the federal and state constitutions to say HELL NO stay off my land. I hope you are of the opinion that this is an extreme overreach of the eminent domain law and will strongly oppose this terrible legislation. Thank you for your consideration

Leah Marth [Voter, Tax Payer a d Land Owner]

Vote NO!!! Do not allow tomorrows vote for allowing the use of eminent domain for future green energy projects to go forward!. Protect Iowa property owners from private FOR PROFIT companies from infringing on owners' rights. Our Iowa fertile farm land is our state's prime resource. Do not allow this bill to jeopardize our land at the price of greedy corporations whose primary aim is to make money! Leah Marth

Patty Beyer

I strongly oppose the passage of House Study Bill 123. As a landowner, and on behalf of my family and community, whose vested interests in water resources, tax obligations and established property rights are imminently jeopardized by the Iowa Utilities Commissions fast and loose capricious interpretation of public use and necessity within the context of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, I suggest that Iowa will face a catastrophic nightmare if an appointed board is given unilateral authority to determine a project's potential for state economic development. This legislation would furnish private, forprofit corporations and their collusive, quid pro quo elected officials, with unfettered capacity to destroy the private property rights of all Iowans in the name of economic development. This innocent sounding legislation conspicuously fails to address who will benefit from the economic development or who will pay for the inevitable negative consequences of such ambiguously defined legislation. The presence of exploitable loopholes found in HSB123 make it very imprudent and dangerous legislation.I ask you to please let this House Study Bill die in the subcommittee.Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Nancy Erickson

Vote NO on HSB123. Lines 18, 19 and 20 in the proposed bill are selling out all landowners in the state of Iowa. Those lines state: The commission shall also approve a contract if it finds that the contract will promote economic development within the stateI as a landowner have already experienced a finding like this when the Iowa Utility Commission granted eminent domain rights to Summit Carbon Solutions based on determining it was good for the state of Iowa. The commission never considered the cost to Iowa taxpayers to fund the 45Q tax credit. Summit will makes billions and all of that money will be funded by taxpayers. How is that an economic benefit to Iowa? The Summit project will use our precious water resources which will affect all Iowans. How is that an economic benefit to Iowa?Economic development is a slippery slope to use for approving a contract. Besides the fact that line goes directly against the US Constitution and the Iowa Constitution.

Jolene Kruger

Vote no on HSB 123. No eminent domain for private gain. We MUST maintain our property rights, water supply and safety. This is a bad bill. Vote NO.

Kim Kischer

Please vote NO onHSB123. Protect the rights of private landowners.

Marte Elbert

I am a landowner that Summitt wants to cross our land for hazardous pipeline by useing Eminate Domain. I ask you not to support this bill HSB 123.This bill supports big energy interests and not private property rights for Iowans So Vote NO on HSB 123.

Rhonda & Dennis Westergard

Lifetime Iowans/Taxpayers/Voters/LandownersYou MUST vote NO on HSB123 tomorrow.Our land is OUR LAND...to grow families; row crops; grasses; trees and feed for our livestock. Now with drought becoming worse and the worry of our aquafers running out of water with the excessive potential use in the CO2 pipeline, temperatures rising because of wind turbines and loud noises from battery storage/data centers...there are many conditions that swallow up our peace and tranquility of our Iowa farms and communities. It is our responsibility as landowners to keep and care for our land in a God given way. Economic development is a cheap definition and green light to forprofit companies giving them a chance to take whatever they want from ALL Iowa landowners. Stop this insanity!

Deborah Main

The portion of the bill granting the commission, specifically the Iowa Utility Commission, the power to award contracts (permits) to ANY project promoting "economic development" is concerning. I have heard in recent years "public use", "public benefit", "land restoration" and a plethora of other euphemistic, undefined and subjective guidelines. Now I see "public development" in HSB123. What is public development exactly? Does it have a dollar amount? Who suffers/loses at the hands of a marketing term? My experience defines it as a taking of my property to line someone else's pocket. The Kelo case is a prime historical example of this type of "public development" decision. We DO NOT want to be headed down that rabbit hole! The appointed members of the Utility Commission have at their disposal all they needand then some without adding more latitude under the guise of an energy bill. This fasttracked bill needs close scrutiny and portions on the cutting room floor.

Vicki Koeppe

Please vote NO for Bill HSB 123!!!! The rights of Iowan's are being violated!!!!Its not right for a big company to take my land to do who knows what to it, and then they walk away from it, leaving me to try to make a living off of non productive land!!!!! Its my ground, I should be the only one that can decide what is right for it!!!VOTE NO for HSB 123!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Allen Hayek

Say No to HSB 123! This is an unconstitutional land grab. Protecting the private property rights from Eminent Domain! Lots of red flags with this trying to be pushed through. Economic development doesn't always prove to be good as companies change hands, the job doesn't come to fruition like the Kelo case. The whole process destroys American farms and people's lives all for the sake of money which can derive from tax payors. Just vote NO to HSB123!

Janet Kahnk

Please reject HSB123. Please put landowners rights over private companies trying to claim "public good." Private companies whose only business model is using tax dollars. This isn't right. It is shocking this is even being considered. It's not a "slippery slope", it's like jumping off of a cliff! Can you even imagine the devastation to come upon Iowa if this is allowed. And who judges "public good"? There is updated data regularly on better ways to sequester carbon. And the only way SAF will work is if more and more tax dollars are put towards the industry. Have you researched that data recently?Iowa has some of the most fertile ground in the world. Why would you let lobbyists convince you this is a good idea when it's not protecting our rights or our precious land that cannot be replaced? Again, please step back from the manipulation coming at you, and do the (obvious) right thing. Protect landowners rights.Thank you.

Bud Jermeland

Vote no on this bill. Eminent domain as prescribed by this bill is a direct violation of our 5th Amendment rights. Dont let political donations determine legislative decisions. Do the right thing for We The People!

Sarah LaCoste

Please vote NO on HSB123

John Walker

This bill supports big energy interests and not private property rights for Iowans.Vote No!

Sherri Webb [Affected Iowa Century Farm landowner]

"Economic development". Where have I heard that before? Kelo vs. New London, CT. IUC ruling against phase 1 landowners.This bill sends shivers up my spine. Iowa may rank 1st in the U.S. for electricity produced by renewable generation at 64.3% and ranks in the top 10 for power grid reliability, but the "economic development" factor of consideration means only two things: 1) The IUC will grant permits for whatever it is.2) The landowner will lose because eminent domain will be granted.The idea of attracting "new, large energyusing customers to Iowa" is not necessarily a good thing this could very well mean a large waterusing customer as well. Our aquifers are not sustainable during times of drought or high use. "The future risk associated with recent droughts is increasing due to changes in water distribution and use. The rapid expansion of rural water systems and the concentration of livestock in animal feeding operations (AFOs) threatens unconfined groundwater supply systems during drought. Unlike the past when most farms and small rural communities relied on their own wells for water supply, regional rural water systems now serve broad areas and supply most of the water to individual farms, livestock producers, AFOs, and rural communities. During drought, rural water systems are forced to ration their water supplies, look for new emergency water sources, and move toward restricting uses among competing groups. For some rural water systems in northwest Iowa, where 95% of the water is used by the livestock industry, reduced water allocation to livestock uses could potentially devastate the industry." https://iowageologicalsurvey.uiowa.edu/news/2023/06/groundwaterquantitychallengesiowasunconfinedaquifers Factor in the possibility of huge AI and/or data centers as well as the estimated 3.36 billion gallons/year for CO2 CCS and there is a very real water shortage. Our leaders need to decide if Iowa will support their small farmers or sell out to the greedy private companies for their own private gain. The cost of "high energy" users and high water users will be passed on to us. I am truly sad that our State is ignoring us.

Betty Sullivan

Please vote NO to HSB123. Iowan's private property and homes need to be protected from Eminent Domain. Private companies do not have rights to our properties for corporate greed. Our water and resources need to be protected from waste and abuse. Do what is right and in the bet interest of Iowa landowners and taxpayers.

Julie Glade

I strongly urge you to vote NO on HSB 123! Its deeply troubling that, if this bill passes, the IUC would be able to rubber stamp any project that is deemed to promote economic development in the state of Iowa. It sounds to me that this legislation would give private, for profit corporations, that may also be politically connected, unfettered capacity to destroy the private property rights of all Iowans in the name of economic development. This unconstitutional bill seeks to silence the voices of the landowners that have everything to lose their land, their peace of mind, their water, their constitutional right to their own land without it being taken from them against their will. This bill is ambiguous and full of loopholes. Again, please vote NO on HSB 123. The people of Iowa shouldnt have to wake up in the morning wondering what the government is going to do to them next.

Emily Forsyth

NO! Who is the omniscient entity qualified to determine public benefit? Anything could be twisted to fall into that category and subsequently allow big Iowa government to partner with their corporate big climate friends to take our property for private and political gain. Iowans FIRMLY stand against this.

Mark Hendrickson [Land owner ]

Please vote no on this bill. This is not what eminent domain was intended to be used for.thank you for your consideration

roxanne jackson

Please VOTE NO on HSB 123. Iowans deserve to have their property rights defended. This would take away our property rights. VOTE NO

Ann Bokelman

Once again private property is only private until someone else can make money off my land without my permission. Put a stop to this abuse of eminent domain!

Mike LaCoste

Vote NO, on this Unconstitutional Bill HSB123, February 17, 2025 12:00 PM. I am letting you know my concerns with authorities granted in this bill HSB123 to subvert dueprocess. I am strongly opposed to the Co2 pipeline, and the use of eminent domain when it comes private property. When I see the threat to our CONSTITUTION when it comes to protecting our individual property rights, and to force the use of private eminent domain on property owners, it is time to say enough is enough! It is time for We The People to stand up to the overreach of government leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, especially when it comes to nonelected people such as IUC. Where is the COMMON SENSE when comes to standing up for our CONSTITUTION and our God given Rights and Freedoms!This bill HSB123 seeks to fasttrack utility and energy projects by steamrolling dueprocess rights in many cases. It's just yet another example of our State Government thinking they control our land more than We The People do. The same badactors in the Senate trying to prevent legislation to protect us from CO2 pipelines are trying to ram this bill HSB123 through as well. This Co2 pipeline is nothing more than a green energy land grab scam, promoted by the puppet master, Bruce Rastetter, just follow the money. Today, we seem to have a bunch of selfserving GLOBLIST Democrats, and RINO Republican politicians, that are more interested in their own political gain, instead of taking their Constitutional Oath seriously, and serving We The People.

Dan Harvey

PLEASE VOTE NO on HSB123! As a landowner in Iowa I object to using eminent domain for any company that is not doing anything remotely connected with public use. Not a common carrier. Dear legislators, we elected you to protect our rights all of our rights. Please help us keep control of our land from bad investors both domestic and foreign. This would have such far reaching consequences you are opening up a can of worms that will be impossible to put back! Please vote NO on HBS123!!!

Teresa Willems

Vote NO, on this UNCONSTITUTIONAL BILL HSB123. This bill is nothing more than a land grab by the political elites. Our elected officials need to understand they represent and work for their constituents. Unfortunately, today there are some elected officials that are more interested in serving themselves instead of upholding their Constitutional Oath to protect our God given Rights and Freedoms. If these elected officials can't protect our Constitutional Rights and Freedoms, it is time to vote them out of the office that We The People put them in. When we have non elected individuals such as Iowa Utility Commission (IUC) making critical decisions, we have major problem. Just like the old saying "Just Follow The Money Trail."

Barbara Lein [ ]

Protect Property Rights Say No to Eminent Domain for Energy Projects I am writing to express my strong opposition to the use of eminent domain for private energy projects. While energy development is important, it should not come at the expense of landowners' rights. Forcing hardworking individuals and families to give up their land for private corporations sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the very foundation of property ownership.Eminent domain was intended for public use, not for advancing the profits of private energy companies. Projects should be built through fair negotiations and voluntary agreements, not governmentmandated land seizures.I urge you to stand with property owners and oppose any efforts to misuse eminent domain for private energy ventures. Lets work toward solutions that respect both energy needs and individual rights.Thank you for your time and consideration.

J Johnson

Division I, page 1, line 19: The commission shall also approve a contract if it finds that the contract will promote economic development within the state. Define "economic development". For whom? According to what parameters? Lines 1820 are extremely ambiguous, and should be removed.Division I, page 3, lines 3132: Adddition of carbon capture and storage facilities to an existing electric power generating facility. Carbon capture and storage has NOT been proven to be an effective or costefficient method of decreasing carbon in the atmosphere. It is extremely reckless to include this in HSB 123. Is the aim of including this to surreptitiously add another way to cash in on selling carbon credits? And who benefits then?? Not the Iowa public; it's the owner of the electric power generating facility. Which, by the way, doesn't even have to be an Iowabased company! Division IV, page 22, lines 811, 1.a.: An energy and water infrastructure revolving loan fund is created in the office of the treasurer of state and shall be administered by the economic development authority established in section 15.105. What is the justification for moving the administration of the loan from the Iowa Energy Center to the Economic Development Authority?General Comments: It's not enough that Iowa citizens and landowners have been fighting to maintain control of their private property from greedy ethanol and fertilizer plant companies, but now we also have to fight electric companies who want to seize our land by eminent domain to build carbon capture and storage facilities useless on land that should be producing food?? Where is Governor Reynolds' and Legislators' decency? Your priorities are unacceptable.

Barb Clayton

As written, this bill takes away local control from county and city zoning and puts more power into the hands of the IUC. Please return this bill to be rewritten or amended.I like the concept of making Modular Nuclear more attainable for Iowa, and I think Modular Nuclear is our energy future, but diminishing property rights and giving large outofstate or outofcountry companies the ability to run over local government under the guise of economic development is akin to opening the doors to the wolves.

Julie Johnson

Division I, page 1, line 19: The commission shall also approve a contract if it finds that the contract will promote economic development within the state. Define "economic development". For whom? According to what parameters? Lines 1820 are extremely ambiguous, and should be removed.Division I, page 3, lines 3132: Addition of carbon capture and storage facilities to an existing electric power generating facility. Carbon capture and storage has NOT been proven to be an effective or costefficient method of decreasing carbon in the atmosphere. It is extremely reckless to include this in HSB 123. Is the aim of including this to surreptitiously add another way to cash in on selling carbon credits? And who benefits then?? Not the Iowa public; its the owner of the electric power generating facility. Which, by the way, doesn't even have to be an Iowabased company!Division IV, page 22, lines 811, 1.a.: An energy and water infrastructure revolving loan fund is created in the office of the treasurer of state and shall be administered by the economic development authority established in section 15.105. What is the justification for moving the administration of the loan from the Iowa Energy Center to the Economic Development Authority?General Comments: It's not enough that Iowa citizens and landowners have been fighting to maintain control of their private property from greedy ethanol and fertilizer plant companies, but now we also have to fight electric companies who want to seize our land by eminent domain to build carbon capture and storage facilities useless on land that should be producing food?? Where is Governor Reynolds' and Legislators' decency? Your priorities are unacceptable.