Letter to the Editor - CO2 Easements are Forever

Without your donation, some stories vanish. Support Decorah News. Dear Editor, The second week of this session, the House passed HF2104 which states eminent domain cannot be used to acquire land for a CO2 pipeline. The bill went to the Senate where it has been stalled for nine weeks. Majority Leader Mike Klemish gutted the intent of HF2104 with an amendment containing several pages of legal jargon that are off-topic and restore the option for carbon oxide companies to use eminent domain. Klemish also introduced a compromise bill that would allow Summit a wider corridor to seek voluntary easements but keep the use of eminent domain if needed. Unwilling landowners will be forced into eminent domain easements that last forever, even if the project fails or ends. These easements stay with the property when they're sold or bequeathed. They can be leased, mortgaged, or sold to another party for another purpose without the property owner's knowledge or permission. This is egregious for landowners who were forced into compliance. If Iowa's Senators fail to pass eminent domain reform, they will give Summit the keys to our farms. The one-sentence House bill, HF2104, must be passed in its original form to protect Iowa's landowners from eminent domain abuse. Bonnie Ewoldt Milford, Iowa resident and Crawford County landowner Together, we build a stronger Decorah—contribute your voice by submitting a letter today!