(Des Moines)– The full Iowa House may soon debate passing a year-long moratorium that would block carbon pipeline companies from seeking eminent domain to seize property and build new pipelines. The proposal has passed out of a House committee, with all but one Republican voting for it.
House Speaker Pat Grassley says pipeline companies would still be able to negotiate easements with landowners, but it also would let the legislature weigh in next year if companies seek mass condemnation of land.
Democrat Mary Mascher (MASH-er) of Iowa City doesn’t object to the idea but voted “no” because the proposal was added onto an unrelated bill. She says the move makes the whole process less transparent to the public.
