A bill proposed by O'Brien County's representative in the Iowa Senate would halt the use of eminent domain to complete privately-funded projects.

Sen. Jeff Taylor, R-Sioux Center, last week introduced Senate File 2160, which would gut the Iowa Utilities Board's (IUB) power to grant eminent domain for projects of private companies. Taylor said the bill is in response to complaints from farmers and local governments in northwest Iowa regarding two proposed carbon dioxide pipelines by Summit Carbon Solutions and Navigator CO2 Ventures. Both projects would pass through O'Brien and Clay counties...