Iowa landowners opposed to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline say property rights remain one of the biggest election issues in the state. A group sent a five question survey to candidates for governor, Congress, state legislature and county offices, asking where they stand on using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. Fewer than 70 candidates responded, including both gubernatorial candidates. The two main governor candidates, Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn, both oppose eminent domain for carbon pipelines and say they would sign a ban. The issue reached the Statehouse in 2025, when Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed a bill restricting private pipeline use of eminent domain. The next governor will also appoint Iowa Utilities Commission members, which matters because the commission approved Summit's permit in 2024. Some candidates in federal races want to go further by eliminating 45Q and 45Z tax credits that support carbon capture and low carbon biofuels. Landowner groups are asking voters to press candidates who did not answer the survey. The election results could shape both state pipeline policy and federal carbon capture incentives.
