Regulators Reject Steve King’s Request to Participate in Pipeline Hearing
Former Northwest Iowa Congressman, Steve King, has been denied the opportunity to participate as an intervenor in an upcoming permit hearing for Summit Carbon Solutions. The decision was made by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB). King, a Kiron Republican, had expressed concerns about the use of eminent domain to build carbon dioxide pipelines. Those granted intervenor status are typically directly affected by a pipeline proposal or represent a group of affected individuals. They have the ability to present witnesses, prepared testimony, and cross-examine witnesses during the final hearing. The IUB stated that King would not be affected by their decision and that other parties have already raised constitutional claims, adequately representing the interests King sought to intervene on.
The final evidentiary hearing for Summit Carbon Solutions is scheduled to begin in approximately a month in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the company has requested eminent domain rights for over 1,000 parcels of land. Summit’s pipeline is intended to transport captured carbon dioxide from ethanol plants to North Dakota for underground sequestration, covering over 700 miles in Iowa. Anna Ryon, an attorney representing King, argued that his involvement in the development of numerous ethanol plants over five decades provides him with a deep understanding of the issue. Despite the denial, King has the opportunity to submit additional information in support of his request within five days.
Meanwhile, the IUB has granted intervenor status to a group of state legislators called the Republican Legislator Intervenors for Justice, although the identities of its members remain unclear. The IUB acknowledged that granting individual members of the legislature standing in executive branch proceedings may warrant further review in the future.
As the permit hearing approaches, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the outcome and the progress of Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline project.
