HF 2618 repeals Iowa's "smart planning principles" (sections 18B.1 and 18B.2), which required local governments and state agencies to consider 10 specific guidelines in planning, zoning, and development decisions. The bill removes these requirements from state code, eliminating the obligation for cities, counties, and state agencies to reference or apply these principles when creating comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, or infrastructure projects. It also deletes related references from other sections of Iowa law governing regional planning (28I.4), airport zoning (329.3), and local development regulations (335.5, 414.3). This change directly affects how local governments approach land use and development planning across Iowa.
This bill limits civil or criminal liability for businesses when climate-related damages are alleged to stem from greenhouse gas emissions. It applies specifically to emissions from agricultural operations or renewable fuel sources (like farms or biofuel facilities), covering gases including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Plaintiffs must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the business violated existing emissions rules or permits before pursuing such claims. The law does not create new legal rights but shields entities complying with current regulatory standards from climate-related lawsuits.
This bill limits civil or criminal liability for climate effects linked to greenhouse gas emissions from specific sources. It shields defendants (like farms, renewable fuel operations, or other facilities) from lawsuits claiming harm from emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide - unless a court finds they violated specific emission limits or permit terms. To override this protection, a plaintiff must prove by "clear and convincing evidence" that the defendant broke an enforceable state emission rule or permit condition. The bill explicitly states it does not create new legal rights to sue over climate impacts.
HF 2527 would limit legal liability for businesses in agriculture, oil, or renewable fuels if sued over climate impacts from their greenhouse gas emissions. It blocks civil or criminal lawsuits claiming damage from emissions unless the business violated specific state emission rules or permits. Plaintiffs must prove clear evidence of direct harm from such violations, not just general climate effects. The law applies to all climate-related claims but does not create new legal rights to sue.
This bill (HSB 693) creates a legal shield for businesses against civil or criminal lawsuits claiming harm from greenhouse gas emissions affecting climate. It directly affects agricultural operations and renewable fuel facilities, which are defined as sources of emissions covered by the law. The key provision blocks liability unless a plaintiff proves, with clear evidence, that the defendant violated specific, existing state regulations or permits governing emissions. The bill explicitly states it does not create new rights to sue or seek remedies based on climate impacts from emissions.
HF 2342 sets specific future dates for repealing various Iowa tax credit programs. The bill specifies that existing tax credits (like those for renewable chemicals, sustainable aviation fuel, and job creation) will end between 2028 and 2041, with most repeals occurring by 2032. It directly affects taxpayers and businesses currently claiming or planning to claim these credits, as they will no longer be available after the designated dates. The bill includes a key exception preserving credits issued or earned before January 1, 2032, ensuring existing agreements and carryforwards remain valid.
HF 2104 prohibits the use of eminent domain (government power to take private property) for pipelines primarily transporting carbon oxide. It directly affects pipeline companies seeking to acquire land for new pipelines by banning this specific method of land acquisition. The bill amends Iowa law to state that no person may exercise eminent domain for building or operating such pipelines, effective immediately upon enactment. This applies to all condemnation cases filed on or after the effective date, preventing new carbon oxide pipeline projects from using this legal process to secure right-of-way.
This bill prohibits using eminent domain to acquire land for, construct, or operate pipelines primarily transporting carbon oxide. It directly affects pipeline companies seeking to build such infrastructure through forced land acquisition. The law amends Iowa law to explicitly block eminent domain for these pipelines and applies to all new condemnation proceedings filed after enactment. The bill takes immediate effect upon passage.
SF 498 prohibits Iowa counties and cities from enforcing local ordinances that require specific landscape design products, materials, or aesthetic choices in commercial or multifamily residential zones. It allows local governments to regulate landscaping only for safety buffers between zones, public safety issues (like obstructed views), or compliance with existing stormwater and topsoil conservation laws. The bill does not affect private agreements between property owners, such as restrictive covenants, that set landscape standards. This policy change directly impacts local government regulations in these zoning areas while preserving private property rights.
HF 238 prohibits the Iowa Utilities Commission from renewing permits for pipelines transporting liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2). It sets a strict 25-year maximum operational limit for all CO2 pipelines, meaning they cannot operate beyond this period even if initially permitted for less time. This bill specifically targets CO2 pipelines, reinforcing a 25-year cap that already applies to other pipelines under current law but explicitly prevents renewal for CO2-specific projects. The bill directly affects CO2 pipeline operators and the commission responsible for issuing and reviewing permits.
