Key Takeaways:
- Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoes a bill aimed at limiting eminent domain for carbon pipelines, sparking Republican infighting.
- Landowners and lawmakers criticize Reynolds for siding with big businesses over property rights.
- Tensions rise as some Republicans threaten to block her agenda and consider impeachment.
- The Iowa Utilities Commission promises to improve transparency in pipeline permits.
A political firestorm is burning in Iowa, and it’s dividing Republicans. At the center of the conflict: a carbon sequestration pipeline project and the power of eminent domain. Gov. Kim Reynolds’ recent veto of a bill aimed at limiting eminent domain for pipelines has outraged landowners and lawmakers, exposing deep cracks within the GOP.
The Veto and Backlash
Reynolds vetoed House File 639, a bill that would have restricted how pipelines can use eminent domain. Eminent domain allows the government to take private land for public use, often with compensation. The bill also aimed to increase safety rules and insurance requirements for pipeline projects.
Reynolds said the bill had “vague legal standards” and could harm Iowa’s business reputation. She argued it would unfairly impact other industries and create confusion for future projects.
But critics, including some Republicans, say Reynolds is ignoring property rights and catering to big businesses. Rep. Steven Holt, a key backer of the bill, accused Reynolds of a “lack of leadership” and warned there would be “consequences” for her agenda.
Grassroots vs. Big Business
Landowners are furious. Many feel Reynolds sided with pipeline companies over Iowa families. Peg Rasmussen, who owns land in Montgomery County, said Reynolds failed to act when it mattered most. “A true leader steps in when a problem arises,” Rasmussen said. “Reynolds did nothing.”
The backlash is growing. Landowners and lawmakers are targeting both Reynolds and Republican senators who opposed the bill. Some accuse these lawmakers of betraying grassroots voters to please wealthy donors.
Rep. Charley Thomson, who wrote the vetoed bill, criticized Republican opponents as “anything-for-a-buck” politicians. He said Reynolds and her allies prioritize profits over constitutional rights.
Legislative Fallout
The conflict is Heating Up in the Iowa Capitol. Some lawmakers are vowing to fight Reynolds’ agenda. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann promised to “kill every single piece of legislation” tied to the governor.
Others are even talking about impeachment. Corey Cerwinske, a county supervisor, said Reynolds’ actions amount to “malfeasance” and urged lawmakers to consider impeachment. Holt, however, doubts impeachment is the right move, saying the veto “may violate” rights but doesn’t meet the threshold for removal.
Meanwhile, Reynolds’ office has stayed quiet, refusing to comment on the criticism.
The Pipeline Projects
The dispute centers around three carbon sequestration pipelines proposed in Iowa. Two projects, Navigator CO2 and Wolf Carbon Solutions, were withdrawn, but the third, Summit Carbon Solutions, is moving forward. It has a permit from the Iowa Utilities Commission and agreements with landowners.
Landowners have fought these pipelines for years, fearing eminent domain abuse and environmental risks. They argue pipelines benefit corporations more than Iowa communities.
Opponents also criticized the bill as flawed. Senate President Amy Sinclair called it a tool for activists, not a true property rights measure.
The IUC’s Response
After the veto, the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) announced plans to improve transparency. Reynolds had criticized the IUC for not attending public meetings and hearings. In response, the commission promised to hold monthly public meetings and ensure commissioners attend in person.
The IUC said it supports “fair, transparent, and accountable governance” of energy projects.
What’s Next?
The fight over pipelines and property rights is far from over. Lawmakers like Holt and Thomson are pushing for a special session to override Reynolds’ veto. They face an uphill battle, as Senate leaders say there’s not enough support.
Meanwhile, landowners are vowing to make their voices heard in the 2026 elections. Rasmussen warned, “We’ll see you at the Capitol in 2026.”
For now, the feud is damaging the Republican Party’s unity. As Holt put it, the conflict has exposed a divide between “country club Republicans” and “grassroots Republicans.”
The stakes are high, with property rights, business interests, and political careers on the line. One thing is clear: this battle won’t end soon.