Lawmakers, Iowa landowners continue push to restrict pipeline use of eminent domain [Video]

Tom BartonThe Gazette

DES MOINES — House lawmakers and landowners impacted by proposed carbon dioxide capture pipelines continue to push Senate Republicans for restrictions on the ability for private companies to use eminent domain to build the projects.

Eminent domain refers to the government’s power to take private property for public benefit.

House File 2522 advanced out of the House Ways & Means Committee Tuesday on a 23-0 bipartisan vote.

Rep. Megan Jones, R-Sioux Rapids, abstained from voting as her family owns land that would be directly impacted by the pipelines.

The bill would allow an applicant before the Iowa Utilities Board seeking eminent domain, or landowners affected by an eminent domain proceeding, to petition a court for a declaratory order to determine their rights and the constitutionality of the eminent domain request.

The court would be able to determine, before the Iowa Utilities Board makes a final decision, whether the use of …