To the editor:

Since 2022, landowners impacted by hazardous carbon pipeline proposals have urged legislative action, namely in the form of banning eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Back then, only two legislators were willing to stand up to corporate land grabs by introducing legislation – Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux County, and Rep. Thomas Jeneary, R-Plymouth County. In the years since, we’ve seen support grow, most recently with 94 percent of Democratic senators, 93 percent of Democratic representatives, 87 percent of Republican representatives and 38 percent of Republican senators voting to impose commonsense standards around CO2 pipelines, a bill which Gov. Reynolds vetoed in apparent disdain for the safety and well-being of Iowa’s farmers and rural communities.

In doing so, the governor secured carbon pipelines and the abuse of eminent domain as a key issue going into the next election cycle. With that, comes the risk of political candidates using the fight for our land, our rights, and our futures as campaign slogans to be abandoned at the first opportunity. Don’t fall for pretty words. Those who truly support property rights and the free market won’t simply talk the talk. They’ll intervene in Iowa Utilities Commission proceedings, not limit their role in this fight to a stump speech. They’ll advocate for a ban on eminent domain, not policies nobody is asking for, like expanding notification corridors or requiring a percentage of voluntary easements before eminent domain can be utilized. They’ll be lifting up the landowners who have been fighting for us all since 2021, not riding their coat tails. A popular slogan used in the movement against risky carbon pipelines has been “Our farms are not for sale.” Well, neither are our votes. If you aren’t walking the walk, don’t plan on talking the talk.

Emma Schmit

Pipeline Fighters Director,

Bold Alliance

Rockwell City