Summit Files for Carbon Pipeline Permit Despite Overwhelming Opposition
Summit Carbon Solutions filed its petition for a Hazardous Liquid Pipeline permit with the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) despite overwhelming opposition from landowners, counties and everyday Iowans.
Sierra Club Iowa Chapter points to the long list of objections submitted to the IUB, the tone of the informational meetings and that half of the counties along Summit’s proposed route have submitted objections to the use of eminent domain for the private project. 
“Since these pipelines have been announced, I have yet to speak with a single landowner who is supportive of the project.” Said Jessica Mazour, Conservation Program Coordinator for the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter. “Despite what Summit wants the public and our state legislators to believe, the opposition is widespread and diverse. We are Republicans, Democrats, farmers, environmentalists, young, old and everything in between. When unlikely allies can come together like this, we know this isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue - it’s a right or a wrong issue. It’s pretty clear this is just plain wrong.”
In the petition, Summit failed to include a list of properties (Exhibit H) where it will be seeking eminent domain in its petition. Objectors believe that is because, unlike what Summit says publicly, it would be very clear that they have little support.
Instead Summit said “It is uncertain at this time whether and to what extent the right of eminent domain will be required. Summit will update Exhibit “H” prior to the hearing being scheduled or pursuant to the procedural schedule.”
“We believe Summit has very few signed easements at this point. That is why they don't want to file Exhibit H now. Summit has been putting out PR that they have hundreds of signed easements and are getting more all the time. They should be required to file Exhibit H to prove this.” Said Wally Taylor, Attorney for the Sierra Club Iowa Chapter.
Sierra Club says that this process that allows a company to delay filing a list of landowners who have signed easements and those who have clearly said no, encourages the company to continue harassing the landowners throughout the process.
“When is the state going to step in and protect us from this abusive company that continues to harass us and our neighbors? We can’t be any more clear - the answer is no.” said Dan Tronchetti, landowner and farmer from Greene County.
“I am 74 years old and feel like I am being railroaded into losing my land to a private company without being able to say anything about it. This is just wrong. If the state of Iowa allows this to happen, what is to stop another company from coming in and taking other parts of the land. This company stands to make millions at the farmers/land owners expense.” said Patricia Moore, landowner and farmer from Holstein, Iowa.
15 of the 30 Boards of Supervisors in counties along Summit’s route have submitted objections to the IUB that eminent domain should not be allowed for private projects like this.
Sierra Club says if any landowner feels harassed or intimidated by Summit Carbon Solutions, they should document it and submit it as an objection to the IUB.
Landowners and everyday Iowans can find more information about the projects, the risks, the laws and how to get involved in the fightback at https://www.sierraclub.org/iowa/carbon-dioxide-pipelines.
Counties that have submitted objections: