To Mayor Kelly Kreber and the Hinton City Council

Greetings.

A large group of Iowans, including myself, have been following the development of the CO2 pipelines in the greater Midwest since the initial planning stages.  At this time, three pipeline companies are making plans for placing CO2 pipelines across the state of Iowa: Summit Carbon Solutions, Navigator (Heartland Greenway) and Wolf.  Navigator has withdrawn its application from the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) for the time-being, but speculation is that Summit may end up acquiring those plans and expanding their operation.

As you may know, we currently have 5,500 miles of CO2 pipelines nationwide. Plans are being pushed forward to increase that to 60,000-90,000 miles of dangerous pipelines buried under our beautiful lands.

By comparison, there are currently 45,000 miles in the National Highway System. Current plans for pipelines may not affect your immediate community, but the next pipeline might be right in your backyard.

With that said, counties and communities are strongly encouraged to draw resolutions or ordinances to show the IUB, the Iowa State Legislators and state officials that Iowans DO NOT need or want these CO2 pipelines for carbon sequestration. The safety risks are too great for our communities. Agriculture, the backbone of our economy, requires CO2 to thrive. 

The IUB has recently concluded a hearing for Summit Carbon in Fort Dodge, Iowa.  A decision on whether to allow a permit and the final decision on whether or not eminent domain will be used for the project rests with the three-member, governor-selected board of the IUB . 

The City of Sioux City has passed a terrific resolution which has been submitted to the IUB.  It is included as an attachment and I ask that you review it, share it with local residents and consider a similar resolution for this community. 

It is very important that our communities petition our county officials to use all available means, such as, the Homeland Rule for Supervisors, local statues, etc. to keep our communities safe and to uphold ALL US and Iowa Constitutional rights. Every United States citizen has constitutional rights to protect their property and to prevent eminent domain from being used by private enterprises. This is clearly stated in the 5th Amendment by way of the Takings and Due Process Clauses and the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Thank you in advance for considering a similar resolution to protect the citizens of your community.

Respectfully,

Robert Nazario

Iowa Falls, IA

Hardin County