Pipeline opponents don’t oppose ethanol

The Iowa Utilities Board recently received "letters of support" regarding the proposed CO2 pipelines. The form letters repeat the incorrect claim that pipeline opponents are against ethanol. That is false. Many people fighting the pipelines are corn growers themselves. If they’re "against ethanol," wouldn't the majority of those farmers be supportive of the pipelines?

The truth is we are against the pipelines because of massive permanent destruction to the land and potential use of eminent domain to force landowners to hand over easements which are permanent. The pipeline companies can sell easements at any time, to any entity, foreign or domestic. Eminent domain is intended for "the public good," yet these projects are proposed by private companies with investors that include foreign entities such as South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

The 45Q tax credits, recently increased approximately 70 percent with the Inflation Reduction Act, would put billions of dollars in those investors' pockets courtesy of you, the American taxpayer. These pipelines would carry highly pressurized toxic liquid CO2 in what is known as "super critical state" yet there are no federal regulations or safety guidelines. The pipeline companies refuse to do safety modeling, putting responsibility on the backs of our volunteer first responders. If an explosives factory was located 50 feet from your house, would you be comfortable with that?

These pipelines are dangerous. It's most definitely not the ethanol we're against. Say no to the CO2 pipelines and ask your legislators to address these concerns.

Kathy Carter

Rockford