Iowa House Bill HF576

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/2/23
• Refer: 3/2/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to the prohibition of specified carbon sequestration projects, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Impact

The implications of HF576 are significant as they directly affect the operations of pipeline companies within Iowa. By denying the right of eminent domain to pipeline companies for carbon sequestration projects, the bill restricts these companies from utilizing public or private land for their operations. This measure could lead to increased legal battles over land use and compensation issues, as companies that have already acquired land for such projects would be mandated to return it to previous owners and compensate them accordingly.

Summary

House File 576 seeks to address concerns related to carbon sequestration projects by prohibiting the construction of pipelines intended for transporting sequestered carbon dioxide. The bill defines carbon sequestration as the process of capturing and storing gaseous carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or industrial sources. It further stipulates that the Iowa Utilities Board is not permitted to grant construction permits for these pipelines, emphasizing the state's stance on regulating such environmental projects in Iowa.

Contention

This legislation has sparked debates regarding the balance between environmental management and development. Proponents argue that the bill protects landowners' rights and prevents potential environmental harm associated with carbon sequestration technologies. Conversely, opponents raise concerns that such restrictions could hinder innovation and efforts to combat climate change, as carbon capture and storage technologies are increasingly seen as pivotal in addressing global warming. The bill encapsulates the tension between local property rights and broader environmental policy goals.