Meeting Public Comments

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

Comments Submitted:

02-14-2026

Debra Freeman [voter]

Concerning HSB 692I do not understand why your committee is considering taking away local control.Iowa Constitution and Iowa Code promote local control. Who would know a county and their people best???When there are already rouge congresspersons who strip voters of their representation; this would be one more example of a form of dictatorship, not asked for by voters; at the state level. One more form of micro managing voters choice.Local control matters! Locals know their counties needs and uniqueness best!Please VOTE NO for HSB 692!

02-15-2026

David Clark

There is no more important time in history of Iowa to maintain local control through local county government. Current and future projects are examples of how critical local control is. Local officials have a better insight of county residents and landowners and the needs and wants in their county. By allowing the state to have that control, Iowans are giving up their property rights as guaranteed in the Constitution. If that control is at the state level, it makes it easier for special interest groups and their lobbyists to influence the outcome of these decisions that will impact on the local level. Please vote NO on HSB 692.

02-15-2026

Darlene Partlow

Local control needs to stay with our County Board of Supervisors. They know the county's terrain, towns, and constituents. Our state legislators should know that "one size does not fit all"! Each county has its own unique needs. Please vote NO on this bill. Leave the decision making up to our local officials!

02-15-2026

Candice Brandau Larson

I ask you to vote no on HSB 692. As a member of the Floyd County planning and zoning commission I understand the thought process for having a minimum setback for Iowa counties, but to not allow the counties to go above those minimum setbacks is against Home rule and takes away local governments ability to regulate based on particular issues that one county may have and another county does not. For instance, our county has an abundance of Karst topography which can be destabilized by the weight and vibration of wind energy. Leading to ground water and well issues. We need to retain local control of ordinance because every county is different.Thank you!

02-15-2026

Michael Henning [private citizen of Iowa]

House Study Bill 692 needs to be stopped!! The republican party is supposed to be the party of small Government and decisions at the lowest level possible! Local control needs to stay with our County Board of Supervisors. They know the county's terrain, towns, and constituents. Our state legislators should know that "one size does not fit all"! Each county has its own unique needs. Please vote NO on this bill. Leave the decision making up to our local officials!Would also be a good time to return CAFO siting to local control too!Thank you!

02-15-2026

Kathy Carter

Did you ever take a drive to an area you hadnt visited before, and discovered that your preconceived notions of what it looked like were all wrong? Were you ever surprised by land features that you never knew about, or envisioned? From the Little Switzerland of eastern Iowa, to the Loess Hills of western Iowa, the flat acres in Pocahontas and Humboldt and Henry Counties, multipleterraced farm ground of southwest Iowa, the karst of northeast Iowa, the heavy timber of southern Iowa, the Great Lakes region, and all the tiny burgs and the large metro areas, the historic sites, the rivers, the tourist areas, caves and caverns... ALL of these parts of Iowa and everything in between are UNIQUE. No one knows these grounds and points like the LOCAL FOLKS. To attempt to override and strangle LOCAL control is shortsighted and irresponsible. Iowans in ALL parts of the state deserve better. Say no to HSB 692.

02-15-2026

Angela Smith Harris

I own property in Floyd County Iowa and the local authority needs to be able to determine setbacks. The community needs to have the say on where projects go as they are the individuals that live there. These projects will affect the quality of life in these counties. The companies behind these projects are just looking for efficiency and their profit; history shows this unfortunate truth.

02-15-2026

Barb Schomaker

HF692 should NOT be passed through the committee. Local counties should be the ones to regulate what happens in their individual county and NOT the state. Each local county knows what is best for their county and NOT the State. There are many different situations that would not be the best for EVERY county, thus the county should have the say as to what is best for their county and NOT the state. Once again, local control is trying to be taken away from our county supervisors. Please do NOT pass HF692.

02-16-2026

Nancy Dugan

HSB 692 includes language barring eminent domain protections: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall not exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire rightofway for, construct, or operate any renewable electric power generation facility, as defined in section 476.53B." My understanding is that the eminent domain ban would apply to battery energy storage systems, solar energy conversion facilities, and wind energy conversion facilities. I believe that methanol is regarded as a chemical battery and is also used at wind generation facilities. As a result, I believe the eminent domain ban in this bill is related to CO2 transport/storage for energy production and is meant to strip unsuspecting landowners of eminent domain protections and force them into pooling arrangements under Iowa Code chapter 458A. In my view, local control is a distraction. SF 546, in my view, violates Art. 1, Secs. 1, 2, 18, 20, and 21 of the Iowa constitution. Please follow the law.

02-16-2026

Nancy Dugan

From House File 2032: "Publication of notice of an eligible utilitys petitions under section 476.6, subsection2, is not required." You're seeking to tax residents of this state for improvements largely necessary because of plans to greatly expand production of waterbased fuels, and you propose to violate the constitution by failing to give the paltry notice you do provide at present? Not to mention the fact that you have deceived the public for years about said plans, claiming five minutes ago the CO2 would be used for enhanced oil recovery (when Iowa has no oil)? You are passing bills you did not write at warp speed, and it is a violation of Art. 1, Sec. 20 of the Iowa Constitution: "The people have the right freely to assemble together to counsel for the common good; to make known their opinions to their representatives, and to petition for a redress of grievances." You are completely gutting the constitution. Who is running this legislature? Certainly it is not you folks.

02-16-2026

Brian Venema

Vote No on HSB692. Local control is needed to protect the unique characteristics of individual counties in Iowa. A blanket rule that offers very little protection in any way is not wanted or needed. Home rule is very important and must be protected.

02-16-2026

Jeanne Seyller [Iowa taxpayer ]

We must continue to be stewards to the land and protect and preserve our ground, water supply, migrating birds and native wildlife, and airways of the airports for safe flight with appropriate setbacks. As you know each region of our state has unique topographical and subsoil concerns. Water is a precious resource. A one size fits all bill concerning setbacks and placement of turbines is WRONG. Due to population density and protecting nonparticipating landowners and their property values, these decisions must be determined at local level. Preserve Home Rule and local decision making. Home Rule needs to be determined by supervisors elected by their local constituents of each individual county. I implore you to oppose this bill.

02-16-2026

Gwenn Rickertsen

This bill takes away "home rule" and should not move forward because of the precedent it sets. We elect local legislatures for a reason. In addition, the state of Iowa is far too vast with unique features to have a "one size fits all" law. There is drastic differences in population, topography, soil types, conservation areas, tourist attractions, and wildlife. Let the local elected officials who know their area set their own guidelines. In addition, this bill is woefully inadequate. If the Nordex manual from company manufacturer of turbines recommends technicians to be 1 kilometer away in a lightning storm, why would the state of Iowa say it is ok for homes and schools to be 3 times height away? In addition, there is not an emergency fund to cover damages in blade failure, fire, ice throw etc. which clearly happens. Mechanicsville Iowa and the Weet's family incident left fiberglass over 300 acres leaving their land useless. What happens if there is no fund to cover damages?

02-16-2026

Leslie Raya

I oppose HSB 692.Iowa is a home rule state, and this bill would take away local control from the communities most directly impacted. Iowa is diverse in population density, ecology, environmental concerns, and land use. Local leaders are best positioned to evaluate renewable energy projects based on the specific needs and geography of their counties.HSB 692 fails to consider key Iowa factors, including the major migratory flyway, protection of our rivers, the growing eagle population, and sensitive karst terrain common in eastern Iowa. These issues require locally informed oversight.The bill is also silent on newer safety measures such as aircraft detection lighting systems and fire suppression. Without clear requirements, some developers may avoid providing these protections.Please vote NO on HSB 692 and maintain local control.

02-16-2026

Raymond Stuedemann [Iowa Voter]

I oppose HSB 692.This bill undermines Iowas home rule authority by stripping decisionmaking power from local communities. Counties understand their land, infrastructure, and longterm plans far better than a onesizefitsall state mandate. Local control must be preserved.HSB 692 also puts Iowas valuable farmland at risk. Our agricultural ground is one of our most important resources, supporting farm families, rural economies, and food production. Decisions affecting its use should remain with local leaders who know the land and its impact on surrounding property owners.Please vote NO on HSB 692 to protect local control and safeguard Iowa farmland.

02-16-2026

Evelyn Stuedemann [Iowa Voter]

I oppose HSB 692.This bill undermines Iowas home rule authority and strips local communities of the ability to govern themselves. Our county went through a careful, transparent process to adopt ordinances that thoughtfully reflect the specific characteristics of our land, agriculture, infrastructure, environmental and ecological considerations, and community priorities. That work deserves to be respected.HSB 692 is overly simplistic and assumes all counties are the same. They are not. Iowas counties vary widely in geography, population, and environmental considerations. A onesizefitsall mandate ignores those differences.Local leadership must retain the authority to set ordinances that responsibly guide development. Please vote NO on HSB 692 and preserve home rule and local control.

02-16-2026

Deborah Main

There was a huge debate when PHMSA wanted to take control of state regulations. WE argued that local control needed to be maintained as we know our state best. Rules and regulations should come from the bottom up rather than from the top down. Should plans for predominately metro areas be the same for ag sections of the state? Should planning be identical for all soil types in the state? Our County Boards are where citizens' voices are heard directly without paid lobbyist influence. Our supervisors live and work in the space regulated by their decisions. Local elected officials should be enacting ordinances regulating planning and development. I would vote NO on HSB692.

02-16-2026

Ron Boesch [Clinton County Iowa tax payer]

I oppose HSB 692. It essentially removes home rule concept. It removes the ability of counties to decide and determine what is best for it based on the uniqueness of the county. It removes the ability to protect its citizens health and property by setting ordinances. I request a vote of NO to this bill. Thank you for you time and service to Iowa.

02-16-2026

Martin Seyller

Dear Representative I am writing to you as a concerned taxpayer and property owner of Iowa to express my strong opposition to the legislation titled Act relating to the siting and operation of renewable electric power generating facilities (House Study Bill 692 / TLSB 5997YC).This bill appears to preempt or standardize local regulations in ways that could override countylevel decisions on solar, wind, and battery storage projects, limiting the ability of communities to protect farmland, property values, viewsheds, and quality of life from largescale renewable developments. Many Iowans value local control over land use, and statewide mandates (even if framed as voluntary or capped) risk reducing flexibility for counties to impose stricter protections or moratoriums where needed.I urge you to oppose this bill and support preserving strong local authority over the siting of these facilities.

02-16-2026

Lisa Dircks

NO to HF692 EACH county should be the ones to regulate what happens in their own county, NOT the state. The county alone knows what is best for their area. What is good for NW Iowa is not the same for SE Iowa as the land and terrain is different all over our state. We need LOCAL control, NOT a blanket coverage from the state!! EACH county knows what is best for their own county and NOT the state. Do NOT pass HF692. NO NO NO

02-16-2026

Lindsey burken

It is very important that this bill does not pass. The republican party is supposed to stand for small government and local control. This is the opposite. It is worrisome as to what corporations are funding those supporting this. Every county in Iowa is unique and it is important that local supervisors are able to make decisions based on the counties needs and landscape. Elected officials need to stand with their constituents and not large corporations looking for government subsidized "green energy". Please vote no . Thank You !

02-16-2026

Jodie Hoadley [Adair County Supervisor ]

As a county Supervisor in Iowa, the Home Rule has special meaning, no two counties are the same, period! Every county is individual and unique because of its history, residents, communities, businesses. I believe the State of Iowa has created enough negative and expensive issues for our counties to figure out how to handle , a few examples unfunded mandates, property taxes and HF718, State of Iowa needs to work on fixing problems they have created in our counties ,and leave county government control alone! The issue of eminent domain seems to come up in almost every meeting, town hall and legislative coffee, the message is the same loud and clear, No eminent domain for private companies and No CO2 pipelines and Why are property taxes so high? The State of Iowa needs to listen to those who live it, work it, breathe it, and pay for it every day!! I mentioned history earlier, leave our history alone, and let county governments decide what is best for each individual county!!

02-16-2026

Joe Mcgrath [Farmer/ landowner ]

Please vote No to HSB 692. As someone who has witnessed the beauty of local elected officials and volunteer planning and zoning boards spend countless man hours and listen to the residents and non bias experts to develop ordinances that work for that county and their values you will strip that away and make that all for nothing. Local knows best. A bill like this turns the keys over to Iowa to solar developers and more out of state absentee investors who are working on padding their pockets while we kill off our rural communities. Some counties will be over run with the loss of farmland to solar with a bill like this. Maybe legislators should spend more time looking at why so many countries are restricting these projects and listen to Iowans vs the wants of Developers. Please Vote NoThank you for your support

02-16-2026

Steve Rickertsen

Barb SchomakerHF692 should NOT be passed through the committee. Local counties should be the ones to regulate what happens in their individual county and NOT the state. Each local county knows what is best for their county and NOT the State. There are many different situations that would not be the best for EVERY county, thus the county should have the say as to what is best for their county and NOT the state. Once again, local control is trying to be taken away from our county supervisors. Please do NOT pass HF692.

02-16-2026

Carol Crigger

Please Vote NO on House File HSB692 Iowa is far too diverse in population, topography(karst), wildlife, conservation area and tourist attractions for a one size fits all bill. In addition, the provisions are unacceptable! Decommissioning Funds at 5% of the project leaves the taxpayer at great risk! No emergency fund for situations like fire, blade failure, ice throw, and fiberglass! Say NO Regardless of party affiliation or personal views on renewable energy, this issue is fundamentally about local control. House File HSB692 would take decisionmaking authority away from counties and place it in the hands of the state. That shift undermines the principle that government works best when it is closest to the people. Every county is unique. Our communities differ in geography, population density, land use, economic priorities, infrastructure. Keep local issues LOCAL!

02-16-2026

Connie Schmitz [Public Land Owner]

Oppose HSB 692! This bill would be opening Pandoras Box. Every corporation will take advantage and come in to grab Iowans private property, without knowing anything about its values, the people, and the diversity of each area. We need to protect our property against any and all threats to destroy or render the land useless.Please let our voices be heard. Thank you.

02-16-2026

Jennifer Kutsch [The Don Quixote Society Inc ]

I vehemently oppose HSB 692 and so should every Iowan county supervising official who cares about their community. This bill undermines Iowa's home rule authority and strips local communities of the ability to govern themselves which should be considered against our constitutional rights, if it isn't already.

02-16-2026

Teresa Grimm

Please Oppose HSB 692!!I am a resident of Clinton County and our county is not the same as any other county in Iowa, as no two counties are the same!!This is not a "cookie cutter" situation when it comes to considering renewable energy projects. Each county needs to be reviewed and Home Rule from local government needs to remain. Who knows what works best for a county, but those who live in the county and were voted to represent the constituents of that county!!We need our voices heard!!!

02-16-2026

Janet Miller

I oppose HSB 692 because it erodes local control over land use decisions that are best made by county officials who know their communities. By imposing statewide siting and operating standards for renewable electric power generation facilities and tightly constraining local ordinances and moratoria, this bill strips counties of the ability to respond to local conditions, prevent inappropriate siting, and negotiate fair terms with large developers.Local governments are on the front lines of balancing economic development with protection of privately owned land, homes, and critical infrastructure, and they need flexibilitynot topdown mandatesto set appropriate setbacks, zoning rules, and safeguards. I urge you to vote NO on HSB 692 and preserve the ability of local elected officials and landowners to shape how these projects affect their land and tax base.

02-16-2026

Emily Forssberg

Please vote NO to HSB692, this bill should not advance any further. Our local county officials should continue to make decisions on behalf of the residents of their county, as they know the people and the land the best. Thank You!

02-16-2026

Ken Grimm

As a Clinton county resident and tax payer I strongly oppose HSB692. Each county in Iowa is different from the other and so it should be left to be that way. Iowa has enough other far more important issues that need attention! This is nonsense! One size does not fit all! Do the right thing and do not pass this!

02-16-2026

Kris Van Kleek

I oppose House Study Bill 692. Please vote NO to allow for continued local, county control and governance. Each county has unique characteristics and needs which are best known by their supervisors. Vote no on HSB 692.

02-16-2026

Lori Berglund

As the parent of a blind young adult and someone with friends who are members of blind community, I urge you to pass this bill to allow pharmacies to charge the talking prescription label cost to insurance. Several small town, privately owned, and even hospital owned pharmacies in my area are not providing accessible prescription labels to people who are blind because of the cost. It is dangerous.to send a patient home with a medication bottle they cannot read due to blindness or vision loss. The pharmacy would not send me home with a blank label. Talking prescription labels provide an accessible format for blind people to continue to independently manage their own health needs and should be considered the standard of care.

02-16-2026

Lisa Ritzert

Vote "NO" on HSB692Core conservative value in the United States: limited government intervention"small government""local control""home rule"Are these just "hot air" slogans used to garner votes to be abandoned "where the rubber meets the road"?

02-16-2026

Janet Miller

As a landowner directly affected by these issues, I want to clarify a few points about HSB 692. I am fully aware that HSB 692 includes a ban on using eminent domain for certain renewable generation facilities, and I agree that is a positive provision.I have also read the rest of the bill, and I am deeply concerned about the sections that preempt counties, restrict local ordinances, and limit the ability to adopt stronger setbacks and moratoria. My focus on local control in my comments is deliberate: one good sentence does not make up for a bill that weakens county authority and longterm landowner protections overall.Some comments have also pulled in other bills and separate CO2 pipeline fights and spoken as if they are all contained in HSB 692. They are not. For this bill, I am asking you to look at what HSB 692 itself does to county power and land use decisions, and to listen carefully to people who will live with the consequences on the ground.

02-16-2026

Janet Miller

02-16-2026

Cala McGregor

Vote NO on HSB 692. Many counties have been working very hard on updating and creating ordinances on wild, solar and battery storage. The creation of this bill is an overreach of state government due to energy companies not getting what they want at the local level. Respect the people and county governments who have spent thousands of hours and dollars on creating their own ordinances. Keep local control. Thank you.

02-16-2026

Beth Caven

I oppose bill HSB 692. Please do not support this bill. Wind turbines cone and go, breakdown and cause environmental damage. Farm Land will always be here for future generations to farm and to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our nation.

02-16-2026

Nancy Dugan [Select your title]

HSB 692 contains the following language: "Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall not exercise the power of eminent domain to acquire rightofway for, construct, or operate any renewable electric power generation facility, as defined in section 476.53B." This is the language several individuals who have posted about HSB 692 have been fighting to secure for years, along with some legislators, and yet the only point they raise in their comments today is local control. This could be because they have been encouraged to do so on Facebook sites like Free Soil Foundation, Iowans Opposed to Eminent Domain Abuse, and Concerned Residents of Worth and Winnebago Counties. There may be more. See attached. Why the silence on the eminent domain language they have been fighting to secure for years? I wonder if some who have posted even realize that it is in HSB 692.

Attachment