Iowans to IUC: No Hearing for a Pipeline to Nowhere

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 11, 2026

IOWANS TO IUC: NO HEARING FOR A PIPELINE TO NOWHERE
Summit attempts to exclude Iowans from upcoming Scheduling Conference

Des Moines, IA. — On Monday, September 14 at 10am and 11am, the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) will hear arguments about whether or not they should move forward with Summit Carbon’s Phase 2 pipeline hearings. The discussion at Monday’s IUC Scheduling Conference is when, where, how and if there should be a hearing for two of Summit’s Phase 2 dockets.

Impacted landowners, neighbors, and other parties are calling on the IUC to halt any movement on Summit’s Phase 2 dockets, considering Summit has not disclosed where the pipeline is going, what the CO2 will be used for, and has multiple lawsuits against them. Summit is requesting an “expedited” hearing to take place in a little over a month on October 13, 2026, giving landowners less than a month to hire attorneys, find expert witnesses, conduct discovery and prepare their defense.

Over a dozen landowners have requested to participate in Monday’s IUC Scheduling Conference and will argue that IUC should not schedule a hearing for a pipeline to nowhere. Summit has requested that most of them be excluded from the discussion. Today, landowner Don Johannsen filed a response arguing why he should be able to participate, citing direct impacts, expertise, and more.

“Summit has continuously tried to limit public participation so they can push their project through with as little objection as possible. Summit can’t silence us. We are here to defend our land and we aren’t going away,” said Kathy Carter, landowner in Floyd County.

“Summit’s Phase 1 permit is still being appealed in District Court. Why would IUC waste people’s time, money and health on a pipeline to nowhere?” said Raymond Stockdale, impacted Phase 1 and Phase 2 landowner from Hardin County.

DETAILS:
IUC Scheduling Conferences
Monday, Sept. 14, 10am (Ida) and 11am (Floyd)
IUC Hearing Room
1375 E Court Ave, Des Moines