Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF342

Introduced
2/20/23  
Introduced
2/20/23  

Caption

A bill for an act repealing eminent domain authority for hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Impact

The repeal of eminent domain authority is expected to have significant repercussions on the regulation of hazardous liquid pipelines. Without the ability to obtain land through eminent domain, pipeline companies may face challenges in securing the necessary land for their constructions, which could lead to delays in project development or even cancelation of proposed pipelines. This change reflects a broader movement towards emphasizing landowner rights and addressing the environmental concerns associated with pipeline infrastructure, aligning with increasing public sentiment against potential hazards that these pipelines may pose.

Summary

House File 342 proposes to repeal the eminent domain authority for hazardous liquid pipelines in Iowa, thereby amending previous laws that granted the Iowa utilities board the power to manage and approve the construction and operation of such pipelines. This bill fundamentally alters the framework under which pipeline companies could previously claim necessary land through eminent domain, which allowed them to bypass certain legal barriers by asserting the need for public utility infrastructure. The intent behind this legislation is to enhance protections for landowners and tenants against potential environmental and economic damages that could arise from pipeline operations.

Contention

Critics of House File 342 may argue that while protecting landowner rights is crucial, the repeal of eminent domain authority could hinder necessary infrastructure development that may be vital for energy transportation and economic growth. Supporters of the bill contend that the environmental risks and the rights of landowners must take precedence over industrial needs. Discussions surrounding this bill are expected to center on balancing public safety with the need for reliable energy infrastructure, thus making it a contentious point of debate among policymakers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA HF308

A bill for an act repealing eminent domain authority for hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SF101

A bill for an act repealing eminent domain authority for hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF410

A bill for an act relating to a prohibition on hazardous liquid pipelines transporting liquefied carbon dioxide, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SF346

A bill for an act relating to applications for permits to construct electric transmission lines, pipelines and underground storage facilities, and hazardous liquid pipelines, making penalties applicable, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HF310

A bill for an act relating to liquid hazardous pipeline voluntary easement negotiation requirements and including effective date provisions.

IA SF103

A bill for an act relating to liquid hazardous pipeline voluntary easement negotiation requirements and including effective date provisions.

IA HF368

A bill for an act relating to specified utility construction project requirements, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 565.)

IA HF943

A bill for an act relating to the exercise of eminent domain for the construction of hazardous liquid pipelines and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 287.)

IA HF307

A bill for an act repealing provisions for land surveys in connection with hazardous liquid pipeline construction projects and including effective date provisions.

IA SF2097

A bill for an act relating to hazardous liquid pipelines, including the establishment of setbacks and safety regulations, specified utility construction project requirements, pipeline project investor disclosures, voluntary easement negotiation requirements, and provisions for land surveys in connection with hazardous liquid pipeline construction projects, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.