Groups representing corn growers and the ethanol industry are urging Governor Kim Reynolds to veto a bill that would put new restrictions on carbon pipelines. House Speaker Pat Grassley, who claims to be “extremely happy” about the Senate finally passing a pipeline-related bill, has not yet had the chance to discuss the matter with the governor. Grassley, who signed the bill along with fellow House Republicans, expressed hope that the governor would sign it as well to provide certainty to landowners.
The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association have raised concerns that the bill could essentially ban carbon pipelines in Iowa. Farmer Kelly Nieuwenhuis, a past president of the Iowa Corn Promotion Board, has been actively lobbying against the bill, particularly since a section of Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline route goes through his property. Despite signing a contract with the company three years ago, Nieuwenhuis remains disappointed by the Senate’s decision to pass the bill. Governor Reynolds has until mid-June to make a decision on whether to sign or veto all the bills passed by the legislature.
Not really sure why this matters, but it seems like there’s a bit of a tug-of-war going on between different groups regarding the fate of carbon pipelines in Iowa. House Speaker Pat Grassley and House Republicans are pretty thrilled about the Senate passing a bill related to pipelines, hoping Governor Reynolds will follow suit. On the other hand, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association are not too pleased, worried that the bill could spell trouble for carbon pipelines in the state. Farmer Kelly Nieuwenhuis, who has a section of Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline running through his property, is actively pushing against the bill, having signed a contract with the company three years ago. It’s a waiting game now to see what Governor Reynolds decides to do with all the bills on her desk.
Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like there’s a lot at stake here with the potential ban on carbon pipelines in Iowa. The back-and-forth between different groups, the lobbying efforts, and the uncertainty surrounding Governor Reynolds’ decision all add to the drama. With Grassley and House Republicans celebrating the bill’s passage, and organizations like the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and the Iowa Corn Growers Association expressing concerns, it’s clear that this issue is far from being resolved. As the deadline for Governor Reynolds to make a decision approaches, all eyes are on her to see how she will navigate this contentious issue.
