Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — NINE Senate Republicans are taking the rare step of delivering speeches in the Iowa Senate, each calling on GOP leaders to allow debate on bills to preserve the private property rights of Iowans who don’t want the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline on their land. Senator Dennis Guth (GOOTH) is a Republican from Klemme.
Senator Jeff Taylor, a Republican from Sioux Center, says it’s unjust and unconstitutional to grant the company eminent domain authority to seize property for the project.
Senator Kevin Alons, a Republican from Salix, says he won’t vote for any bills to fund state government until Republican leaders allow the Senate to consider pipeline bills.
Senator Doug Campbell, a Republican from Mason City, says his margin of victory in the 2024 campaign was due to his support of property owners fighting the pipeline.
Senator Sandy Salmon, a Republican from Janesville, has long said the project will not benefit the public, but will benefit the pipeline developer.
Senator Cherilynn Westrich, a Republican from Ottumwa, thanked the Iowans in the senate viewing gallery who’ve been lobbying for action on the issue.
Senator Tony Bisignano, a Democrat from Des Moines, says Republican leaders haven’t allowed debate of the pipeline-related bills because they are afraid of Bruce Rastetter, the founder of Summit Carbon Solutions and a prominent donor to Republican candidates.
Republican Senators Lynn Evans of Aurelia and Dave Sires of Cedar Falls gave speeches last week in support of limiting the use of eminent domain to seize land for the pipeline project. Sires spoke again today (Tuesday).
A spokesperson for Senate Republican leaders was not immediately available for comment after the Senate adjourned late this (Tuesday) morning.
KIWA Staff Photo
