Des Moines, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed a former Republican legislator to lead the Iowa Utilities Board.
Current Iowa Utilities Board chair Jeri Huser will remain on the board, but the governor has appointed Erik Helland to take over as chair in May.
Helland, who is an attorney, grew up on a farm near Huxley and served two terms in the Iowa House representing the Des Moines suburb of Johnston. Helland will lead the Iowa Utilities Board as it considers applications for construction permits for three carbon pipelines.
Helland’s nomination must be confirmed by 34 senators. Republicans currently hold a 34-seat majority in the Iowa Senate. When Helland’s term starts May 1st, all three members of the Iowa Utilities Board will be former members of the Iowa House.
