Des Moines, Iowa — Two of the three Iowa Utilities Board members who’ll decide whether three proposed carbon pipelines get state construction permits will be new to the job.
Last week, Governor Kim Reynolds announced she was appointing Erik Helland, a former member of the Iowa House, take over as Iowa Utilities Board chairman in May.
Current board chairwoman Geri Huser’s term on the board extended until 2027, but a spokesman for the governor says Huser is stepping down at the end of the month. Governor Reynolds is appointing Sarah Martz to fill that slot. Martz is currently the director of engineering for utilities on Iowa State University’s campus. She previously worked for Alliant Energy.
Both new members of the Iowa Utilities Board must be confirmed for by the Iowa Senate. To win confirmation, a nominee needs a minimum of 34 votes in the senate.
