1. United States
2. Iowa
3. Letter

I am writing to you as a concerned Iowan and member of your constituency who strongly supports the original passage of House File 639. I respectfully urge you to exercise your leadership and immediately call for a special legislative session to override Governor Reynolds’ recent veto of this critical bill. HF 639 was carefully and thoughtfully crafted with overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers. It reflects the will of the people of Iowa who have been calling for long-overdue protections for private property owners facing eminent domain abuse, particularly from hazardous liquid pipeline projects which pose significant safety, environmental, and economic concerns. Governor Reynolds’ veto undermines the core principle of private property rights, which are foundational not only to our state’s values but to our Constitution. HF 639 directly addressed: •Preventing private companies from misusing eminent domain under the guise of “public benefit” •Establishing strong insurance and financial accountability for landowners facing liability exposure from pipeline development •Imposing reasonable term limits on pipeline permits to ensure ongoing public oversight •Expanding transparency and public participation in the Iowa Utilities Board process The Governor’s arguments that this bill jeopardizes investment and economic development ignore the fact that unchecked corporate interests already hold disproportionate sway. No project should be allowed to proceed through coercive land seizures against the will of Iowa families, farmers, and small landowners simply to serve private profits. The people of Iowa deserve leaders who will stand firmly in defense of our land, livelihoods, and constitutional rights. You have already shown great leadership in advancing HF 639 to passage. I respectfully request you continue that leadership now by reconvening the legislature to override this misguided veto. Please do not allow this opportunity to protect Iowa landowners to be lost. Many of us are watching closely, and we stand ready to support your efforts.