Iowa has two new pipeline proposals.  Both are centered around Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). The lines would carry captured carbon from ethanol plants. CCS is very complicated but when you boil it down, the basic premise is that it captures the carbon and stores it underground (CCS) or it captures the carbon and uses it for industrial purposes. Both Summit and Navigator pipelines claim that they are going to permanently store the CO2 underground, but we have strong evidence that Summit will use the CO2 for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR).  EOR is the process of pumping CO2 into dwindling oil fields to get the last bit of oil out of the ground.  The two pipelines in Iowa are being offered as false climate solutions, especially if they will be utilized for enhanced oil recovery and extending the life of coal-fired power plants and the ethanol industry. 

We already know the solutions to our climate crisis - we must end our dependence on fossil fuels and invest in solar, wind, battery storage, conservation and efficiency!

Two CO2 Pipelines Proposed in Iowa:

1.  Summit Carbon Solutions, aka Bruce Rastetter’s CO2 Pipeline.  Bruce Rastetter’s Pipeline Connects ethanol plants and other industrial ag facilities to a pipeline that leads to North Dakota.  From there the CO2 will be stored underground or will be used for Enhanced Oil Recovery.

CCS is a false solution in this instance because: 

• It does not address other emissions or forms of pollution from fossil fuel extraction and industrial agriculture 
• It will allow for the extension of fossil fuel extraction through enhanced oil recovery 
• Fails to acknowledge CO2 is incredibly dangerous and a pipeline leak or break could poison surrounding communities and first responders

2.  Navigator CO2 Pipeline.  The Navigator pipeline connects ethanol and fertilizer plants in Iowa to a pipeline that leads to Illinois where the CO2 will be used for Enhanced Oil Recovery or for storage underground.

CCS is a false solution in this instance because: 

• It will extend the life of polluting ethanol industry and industrial agriculture practices that have contributed to our climate crisis, water pollution and more.
• CCS continues business as usual and delays investment in REAL climate solutions 

In both proposals, CCS is a false solution that takes us farther away from our climate goals. These pipelines continue business as usual, will only be feasible with massive public subsidies, and should not be approved. Let’s invest in REAL climate solutions. 

Governor Reynolds has the power to protect the landowners - will she use it?

Des Moines, IA. Today Iowa landowners impacted by the Summit and Navigator pipelines have formally requested a meeting with Governor Reynolds after the Senate Commerce Committee took no action on the eminent domain bill.

SF 2160 passed out of subcommittee on Tuesday and a Senate Commerce Committee hearing was scheduled for the bill today.  Shortly after the meeting started, Senator Schultz announced that the bill was being pulled from the agenda with no explanation as to why. 

Landowners and other opposition groups say this isn’t over yet.  The bill can still move forward if there is political will.  Governor Reynolds has the power to make sure the bill advances and she has the power to stop the pipelines in their tracks.  “The big question is whether Governor Reynolds will protect us landowners or will she protect the private pipeline companies. That’s why we want to meet with her.  She hasn’t sought out our opinion at all throughout this process.” said Craig Woodward, landowner in Cerro Gordo County.

Earlier this year, Governor Reynolds created the carbon sequestration task force, stacked with pipeline insiders from Summit, Navigator, Valero, ADM, Iowa Utilities Board Chair Geri Huser and others. This sends a strong signal to Iowa landowners that she cares more about these pipeline companies and the big donors associated with them than she does about everyday Iowans who vote for her.

Landowners hope to meet with Governor Reynolds before planting season, before farmers are busy out in the fields.  

Take Action Now!

1. Sign & share our petition to say no to CCS pipeline projects in Iowa.
2. Attend one or more of the Navigator Pipeline Informational Hearings and bring a petition with you to help identify landowners who are objecting to the pipeline. (hearing schedule below)
3. If you're a landowner who will be directly impacted by the pipeline, we encourage you not to sign a voluntary easement.  
4. Submit an objection to the Iowa Utility Board to ask them not to grant a permit to Summit Carbon Solutions and/or Navigator CO2 Ventures.

• Click this link
• Select “HLP-2021-0001 (Summit Carbon Solutions LLC, Petition for a Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Permit)” to submit an objection for the Summit pipeline
• Select "HLP-2021-0003 (Navigator CO2 Ventures LLC, Petition for a Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Permit)" to submit an objection for the Navigator CO2 Ventures pipeline.

Resources:

• Watch our "Carbon Pipelines: A Disaster Waiting to Happen" webinar.
• Watch our "Protect Our Land: No Carbon Pipelines" webinar.
• Landowners: Know Your Rights About Surveys, Land Agents and Easements
• Landowners: Know Your Rights About Eminent Domain FAQ Sheet. (share this with other landowners)
• Find out why counties should hire an independent inspector. (share this with your County Supervisors)
• View and print our Tri-Fold Factsheet about the Summit Pipeline.
• View and print our Tri-Fold Factsheet about the Navigator Pipeline.
• Chapter 9 - Restoration of Agricultural Lands During and After Pipeline Construction
• Chapter 479b - Hazardous Liquid Pipelines and Storage Facilities
• • More Videos/Webinars:
  Watch the Science and Environmental Health Network's webinar to learn more about Carbon Capture & Storage.
• Hear why this landowner in Linn County says no to a voluntary easement.
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• More Videos/Webinars: