(This April 25 article corrects the spelling in paragraph 14 of IUB spokesperson’s name.

Leah Douglas

(Reuters] Summit Carbon Solutions, the company behind a major carbon pipeline project in the U.S. Midwest has close ties to Iowa officials.

The review found that at least four Summit leadership members have links with the Iowa governor’s offices or the Iowa Utility Board (IUB). These could impact the future of the pipeline’s roughly 2,200-mile (3,200km) length. Kim Reynolds, the governor’s top individual donor is one. Terry Branstad (an ex-Iowa governor), is another, and he was the one who nominated 2 of 3 commissioners for IUB, as well as its chair.

Summit’s connections with Iowa’s public officials, the state that would be home to most of Summit’s Midwest Carbon Express proposal, has raised concerns among environmental watchdogs and ethics groups about whether opponents will receive a fair hearing.

Robert Maguire (research director, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, Washington), said that there was a legitimate concern from the pipeline opponents about not being treated equally by the government. He reviewed the Reuters reports.

Summit in Ames, Iowa stated it followed legal and ethical guidelines. Summit also noted that ex-officials and regulators often assume roles in the private sector when their knowledge is useful.

Summit spokesperson Jesse Harris explained that “it’s not surprising” the company had attracted a solid bipartisan team of people with different experiences in public policy, engineering, and agriculture.

Summit is aiming to take millions of tons from 32 Midwest ethanol plant and transport it underground in North Dakota. Iowa would be the largest ethanol state and the pipe will run for 680 miles (1,000 km).

By reducing the industry’s carbon footprint while taking advantage federal and state subsidies, this project could help ensure that biofuels are part of a future climate-friendly.

Some landowners expressed concerns that the pipeline might reduce yields on their farms, decrease property values and pose a safety risk if it leaks.

POLITICAL DONATIONS

According to Reuters, Bruce Rastetter (head of Summit’s parent firm Summit Agricultural Group) was the largest individual donor to Reynolds. According to data maintained by National Institute on Money in Politics, Rastetter contributed nearly $150,000 in total to Reynolds between 2018-2022.

Opponents worry that Reynolds will veto any bill critical of the pipeline, such as the one that was recently approved in the state House and would slow down the permitting process.

Branstad, Iowa’s Republican past governor who was also a U.S. ambassador in China during the Trump administration, is Summit’s chief policy advisor. Two of three IUB commissioners were appointed by Branstad during his 22-year term as governor. The chair was also named. It will be up to the IUB whether or not to allow this project.

Summit’s Iowa lobbyists include Jake Ketzner (Reynolds’ ex-chief of staff) and Jeffrey Boeyink (Branstad’s former chief of staff).

Don Tormey, IUB spokesperson said that the members of the board are subject to high ethical standards. They will determine “at appropriate times” whether they have a conflict or interest in participating in the pipeline proceeding proceedings.

Reynolds spokeswoman Alex Murphy stated that Reynolds conducts a “full, fair and impartial review” of all bills.

Rastetter’s Summit Agricultural Group declined to comment on a request.

Jess Mazour of the Sierra Club, an environmental organizer, stated that she was concerned about the possible disregard for public opposition by Summit officials.

The pipeline was opposed by 98.9% in March, according to the docket of the IUB.

Mazour explained that if they’re listening to people, then it’s obvious that the proposal shouldn’t have been approved.

Navigator CO2 Ventures also proposes to build a pipeline of carbon through the region. Samantha Norris (main attorney for Navigator), was previously general counsel to the IUB according to the IUB docket.

Norris directed Reuters’ Navigator to comment. Concerns about the relationship were dismissed by Norris’ company as “baseless.”

Reynolds is not taking a public position regarding the pipelines. However, Reynolds in 2021 appointed Navigator and Summit representatives to a state-level carbon sequestration task force.