A questionnaire sent to candidates in Iowa’s upcoming general election has drawn responses from 66 candidates, providing voters with information about their positions on eminent domain and carbon sequestration pipelines.
The survey was organized by Iowa landowners opposed to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project. It asked candidates for governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the Iowa Legislature and several county offices about their views on eminent domain and potential measures to protect private property rights.
According to the survey results, 28 Democratic candidates, 30 Republican candidates, six independent or no-party candidates and two Libertarian candidates responded.
Kathy Stockdale, a landowner affected by the proposed pipeline, said elected officials should take a more active role in addressing property rights concerns. Stockdale and other landowners have challenged Summit Carbon Solutions’ ability to use eminent domain to obtain easements for the project.
Eminent domain allows government entities, and certain authorized projects under applicable law, to acquire private property for qualifying public uses, subject to legal requirements and compensation. The use of eminent domain for privately developed carbon capture pipelines has been a point of debate in Iowa.
Both major-party candidates for governor, Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn, responded to the questionnaire. Both said they oppose using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines and would sign legislation banning its use for those projects.
Other candidates who responded included Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Josh Turek, Libertarian Senate candidate Thomas Laehn, and several independent, no-party and Libertarian candidates running for U.S. House seats. Their responses included opposition to the use of eminent domain for private projects and, in some cases, proposals to change federal tax incentives connected to carbon capture and low-carbon fuels.
Emma Schmit, an organizer with Bold Alliance, said the responses showed similarities across party lines, with participating candidates expressing concerns about the use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines.
However, not all candidates participated. The survey organizers encouraged voters to contact candidates who did not respond to ask about their positions on property rights and carbon pipeline development.
The issue has been debated at the Iowa Statehouse for several legislative sessions. In 2025, Gov. Kim Reynolds vetoed legislation that would have restricted the use of eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines. Legislation seeking to prohibit the practice was introduced again in 2026 but did not reach the governor.
The Iowa Utilities Commission approved a permit for Summit Carbon Solutions’ project in 2024. Future decisions involving pipeline regulation and eminent domain could depend on legislative action, regulatory proceedings and the outcome of the November 3 general election.
The survey results are available through the organizers’ website at Iowa Easement Action.
