House passes CO2 pipeline bill HF565

The House passed a major bill that strengthens the pipeline easement requirements and landowner rights regarding pipeline construction.  This pipeline bill – HF565 (formerly HF368) - was introduced by Representative Steven Holt, along with 22 co-sponsors, including House Speaker Pat Grassley.

Among its features are:

• The bill requires 90% of route miles as voluntary easements before eminent domain can be used. 
• It expands damages that constitute compensable loss to include soil compaction, damage to soil or water conservation structures, and damage to irrigation or drainage systems.

Unfortunately the bill was amended by the House.  The following items are not included in the bill that was adopted by the House:

• The IUB shall not issue a permit for a CO2 pipeline until the federal pipeline safety administration (PHMSA) provides new rules updating the safety standards for CO2 pipelines.  

• The permit is conditioned upon the pipeline company obtaining all other applicable permits, including federal and state regulatory permits, state and local highway and road crossing permits, and local zoning permits. 

• It prohibits the IUB from granting the right of eminent domain unless the company first acquires all applicable pipeline construction and zoning permits from the other states. 

The bill moves to the Iowa Senate.  Although we are disappointed that the original bill was not passed, we support passage of HF565.