Iowa Senate Majority Leader to Propose Carbon Sequestration Pipeline Legislation in 2026 Session

Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh plans to introduce legislation in early 2026 allowing carbon sequestration pipelines to deviate from state-approved routes, addressing eminent domain concerns. The 2025 legislative session highlighted issues surrounding the Summit Carbon Solutions project, leading to a veto from Governor Kim Reynolds in June.

Klimesh's proposal aims to widen the corridor by 10 miles on either side, permitting utility companies to seek voluntary easements instead of relying on eminent domain. This approach seeks to balance property rights while facilitating project progress.

The previous bill included various measures affecting the Iowa Utilities Commission and landowner protections but faced significant opposition from landowner advocates. Controversy arose within the Iowa Senate due to intra-party conflicts over the eminent domain issue, culminating in a 27-22 vote on the legislation.