As we talk about the carbon pipeline projects that are in the works across the state, we hear a lot of concerns being raised. One of those concerns has to do with property rights and the two most frightening words in Iowa Agriculture, and that is ?eminent domain.? Many proponents of these pipeline projects understand that concern and they are doing what they can to assuage fear in those areas.
Last week, it was a hot topic at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Summit. They talked about how it was a needed tool to keep biofuels relevant in a new era of carbon-neutral goals. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw talked about the necessity for these pipelines to advance the industry. He says dialogue is necessary.
Farmers have always had to be a part of progress in their areas. Shaw says that his family farm has been no exception. He said if more protections for landowners need to be put in place, so be it. But he says don?t use the government as a method to target a single project.
He says the efforts of some to target only one project under the guise of eminent domain are transparent at best, and not in the interest of property rights but only their agendas. Agendas like these would probably be hard on Iowa farmers in the long run.
