(Le Mars) — Nearly 200 people attended Monday evening’s public information meeting regarding the proposed Navigator CO2 Ventures L.L.C. Heartland Greenway System carbon-dioxide pipeline that is being proposed to cross the state of Iowa and would include a portion of the pipeline to cross Plymouth County. The event was hosted by the Iowa Utilities Board and featured several officials from Navigator CO2 Ventures speaking about their proposed pipeline. Following the presentation, the program was open for questions which lasted more than an hour and half as people asked questions regarding safety of the pipeline, compensation for farmers and landowners, and eminent domain. Plymouth County Board of Supervisors chairman, Don Kass of rural Remsen pushed Iowa Utilities Board Chairman Geri Huser, and Navigator CO2 Ventures Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, to answer at what point would the Iowa Utilities Board allow eminent domain?
Don Kass of rural Remsen listens to officials comments to his questions focusing on eminent domain.
Burns-Thompson was the first to comment on the eminent domain question posed by Kass.
Iowa Utilities Board chairperson, Geri Huser, foreground, and Navigator CO2 Ventures Elizabeth Burns-Thompson, on stage at podium, answer the gatherings questions.
Iowa Utilities Board chairperson, Geri Huser than commented on the eminent domain question.
Kass than used the opportunity to ask a follow-up question, again focusing on eminent domain.
Huser than again commented on the eminent domain question.
Many people stated that eminent domain is to be used for the greater good for all people such as a highway, or an electrical transmission power line. Several people asked the IUB chairperson Huser, how the proposed pipeline would benefit all people when only the private company of Navigator CO2 Ventures and its investors would be the only sector to benefit financially? Based on the line of questions, many people attending Monday’s public information meeting are against having the pipeline constructed. The Iowa Utilities Board will hold an additional 34 public information meetings across Iowa. Officials indicated it may be March before the Iowa Utilities Board makes a decision regarding the proposed pipeline.
