(Shenandoah) -- Two local lawmakers weighed in on one of the more controversial issues at the Statehouse this legislative session.
During the first Shenandoah Chamber and Industry Association legislative briefing of the year Saturday, State Representative Devon Wood and State Senator Tom Shipley addressed dueling bills related to a proposed carbon capture pipeline project in Iowa. In the House, lawmakers last week passed a bill that would ban the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Wood voted in favor of the bill and says she does not believe a private company should be allowed to use eminent domain for this type of project.
“Every single farm is different,” said Wood. “I think to myself, how do I choose the winners and losers? Because for someone this would be a win, and for someone else this could be an absolutely devastating total loss.”
In the Senate, a bill led by Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh would allow Summit Carbon Solutions to alter the pipeline’s route to avoid properties where landowners do not want to participate. Shipley says a proposed portion of the pipeline from POET Biorefining in Corning would pass through his farm. While he has not signed onto the project, Shipley says he believes the pipelines are safe.
“It remains to be seen where we're going to end up with this,” said Shipley. “First off, I’m going to say flat out, I am not scared of it. I sat through two presentations about how it’s handled and how the safety measures are involved. I have no fear of anything.”
SCIA Executive Vice President Gregg Connell says the pipeline project comes at a critical time for local producers.
“The reality is the thing that brought us out of the farm crisis was ethanol,” said Connell. “Fifteen billion gallons under the Renewable Fuel Standard have to be blended every year. That took corn from two-and-a-half dollars to eight dollars a bushel. As we’ve continued to increase production—because of the skill of our farmers and advancements in seed genetics—we now have a 1.8-billion-bushel carryout. We absolutely have to have another source for corn.”
Connell says agriculture is on the brink of another crisis if demand for corn is not increased.
“Between marine use and sustainable aviation fuel, you’re talking about four times the amount used under the Renewable Fuel Standard,” said Connell. “You can choose this, because it’s your vote. You can choose an incredibly prosperous farm community, or we can go back to a farm crisis. It’s just that simple.”
The House proposal has been sent to the Senate for consideration, while the Senate bill has yet to be debated on the floor.