Meeting Public Comments

Leland Carpenter []

I am in favor of legislation that prohibits the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines, especially for private companies seeking to exploit the taxpayer funded federal carbon credits. Allowing the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines sets a dangerous precedence. Where does it end? Will it also then be used for wind and solar farms? Private property rights are essential to our market economy. The founders understood that property rights are a key element to liberty and prosperity which was made evident by the 5th amendment. It is the duty of our federal and state governments to limit the use of eminent domain to only the most essential public needs. CO2 pipelines benefits are marginal at best and will most likely have a negative impact on the state of Iowa. Our crops need the CO2. At least one study shows that the energy needed to transport CO2 results in a net gain in CO2. Nearly 1 billion gallons of water which is in short supply is the estimated need for such pipelines. Eighty percent of commercialized carbon capture projects have ended in failure. Iowa does not need to add to this statistic. If CO2 really is a pollutant that is harming Iowans then treated as such. The only reason CO2 has become a commercial commodity is due to the Obama administrations carbon credit program that was expanded by Trump. If federal legislators would end the carbon credit scam there would be no threat to eminent domain abuse. CO2 is disguised as a pollutant only because of potential profit. And let's not forget, CO2 pipelines are not safe. Iowa counties do not have the training or resources to respond to a CO2 pipeline break. Emmet county is a smaller county with a small tax base trying to survive on a limited budget. Our citizens don't need more unfunded mandates that would like come due to an unwanted CO2 pipeline. Summit Carbon Solutions is trying to buy influence by donating to politicians and organizations. They are one of the largest donors to the Iowa State Association of Counties while at the same time suing five of them. Do the right thing. Say no to the CO2 pipelines.

Laura Carlson []

Please protect land ownership in Iowa. What's to stop any business or any ideology from stealing our land for "something" important? YOU! The Iowa Legislature can STOP THIS!

Robert Nazario []

We, Citizens of our great state, are asking for passage of HF2664 as amended! Eminent Domain for private corporations should never be allowed. Thank you for standing with the people and supporting our Constitution, both federal and state and for preserving Private property rights.

Charles Peter []

I respectfully request that you support and pass HF2664.A CO2 pipeline is NOT necessary for ethanol plants to get rid of the CO2 generated in the process of manufacturing ethanol. Every ethanol plant is currently disposing of their CO2 without a pipeline, and also operating profitably. This pipeline is nothing but a way for it's investors to profit from a government program. How does a private investors desire to make money for their personal gain Trump a landowners right to NOT allow their property to be used against their will. Eminent Domain used in this manner is immoral. The public at large does NOT BENEFIT by this land grab. Therefore it should not be allowed. Thank you forunderstanding, and passing this bill.

John Cochrane []

Please pass this bill to protect land ownership in Iowa. Private property is the basis for all other rights. Please vote yes for the benefit of all Iowans.

Neil Franzen []

I am in support of a bill that protects land owner rights. Everyone I have talked to on this issue agrees its common sense to protect iowa land owner rights. Please pass a simple bill on this. Do not junk it all up with a bunch of nonsense. If you dont support a bill on this I wont support your next term.

Kevin Hendress []

I strongly believe that Eminent Domain should be limited to only public ownership, not private ownership. With the 2005 US Supreme Court Ruling that expanded the definition of Public Use to include economic development we believe its critical to redefine and limit eminent domain. We do not support using Eminent Domain for pipelines and other private ownership projects, even if they "serve the public" in some fashion. Eminent domain is theft! Why is our state government allowing this to be used NOT for the good of all people, but rather to line the pockets of a few wealthy folks! The pipeline is nothing but a way for it's investors to profit from a government program.

Jessica Mazour [Sierra Club Iowa Chapter ]

Please vote yes on HF2664. Iowans deserve a fair appeal process. Summit has trampled over our rights for 3 years, please pass the bill to level the playing field.78% of Iowans oppose eminent domain for carbon pipelines.

Kim Franzen []

In favor of this bill to protect land owner rights!