March 31, 2023
Iowa Debates the Construction of CO2 Pipelines After Bill is Passed
Iowa Debates the Construction of CO2 Pipelines After Bill is Passed
The construction of CO2 pipelines becomes a controversial topic in Iowa as passed bill would place restrictions on pipeline companies' use of eminent domain powers. Opponents of the bill say it would harm the state's corn and ethanol industries, while proponents say the bill is necessary to protect Iowan's private property rights. The primary group opposing the bill are ethanol industry groups who Argue that any restrictions on the pipelines would severely impact the state's agriculture and ethanol industries. This is because a large amount of the corn produced in the state is used to produce ethanol. Industry funded reports suggest that farmers would lose $1 billion in revenue and ethanol producers would lose three fourths on their production to neighboring states if the pipelines aren't built. It is also possible that these groups are after tax incentives that reward ethanol firms for capturing their CO2 emissions. Proponents of the bill argue that farmer's property rights should be protected and that the pipelines should be built through voluntary easements rather than blunt force. Learn more here.
