Iowa Senator Votes Against Eminent Domain Ban for CO2 Pipelines

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District 6 Sen. Jason Schultz (R-Schleswig) says concerns about legal and financial risks drove his recent vote opposing a House-passed bill that would ban the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines. Schultz argues that changing the law retroactively could trigger costly lawsuits against the state, as projects that began legally under existing statutes could expose Iowa to claims totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

Why it matters

The use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines, including the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions proposal, has been a contentious issue in Iowa. Schultz's vote against the House-passed bill highlights the complex legal and financial considerations surrounding this debate.

The details

Schultz voted in the Senate Commerce Committee to decline consideration of House File (HF) 2104, which would have barred eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines. Instead, he advanced Senate File (SF) 2067, which he argues is a more workable approach to limiting eminent domain. SF 2067 would seek to reduce reliance on eminent domain by expanding opportunities for voluntary easements, increasing transparency for landowners, and requiring pipeline companies to provide additional outreach and documentation. Portions of the bill would apply retroactively to Summit's project.

• Schultz voted in the Senate Commerce Committee on February 10, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Iowa legislature will continue to debate the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines, with Schultz's position likely to face scrutiny from opponents of the Summit Carbon Solutions project.