DES MOINES, Iowa — Just one week ago, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed legislation that would add restrictions for companies using eminent domain for common carrier pipelines.

The bill was aimed at a carbon pipeline project by Summit Carbon Solutions that will run 700 miles through the state up to North Dakota. The bill would have added insurance requirements for any company, set a 25 year limit on the project, and more.

The Iowa House announced on Tuesday that the chamber had 70 signatures to go back for a special session over the summer to override the governor’s veto. But in the Iowa Senate, the chances of reaching the two-thirds majority that would be needed are next to zero.

“I want to express my gratitude for the clear message they have sent to the people of Iowa that the property rights of Iowans are critical and worth fighting for,” said State Senator Kevin Alons (R), District 7 from Salix. “Unfortunately I am not confident that the votes exist in the Iowa Senate to complete the call for this special session — which leaves many Iowa landowners without any relief from this unconstitutional threat of eminent domain.”

Senator Alons was the spearhead of the group of lawmakers that said they would not vote on a budget unless the pipeline bill was debated on the floor. Alons told WHO 13 News that the fight for landowner rights is far from over.

That mirrors what the other senators in the group had told WHO 13 News.

“I am sad to say that Senate leadership has stated that the majority of our caucus would not be interested in overriding the veto,” said Senator Dennis Guth (R), District 28 from Klemme.

“According to statements put out by our Senate majority leader, there is not the interest in overriding the veto on the property rights bill,” said State Senator Sandy Salmon (R), District 29 from Janesville. “I most definitely am in support of overriding the veto and calling a special session of the legislature to do so! The constitution should trump economic development.”

Sen. Alons said that the group of lawmakers is trying to figure out what can be done on the issue for the upcoming session.

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