A little more than a year ago, Mingo-area landowners met to discuss letters we had received telling us we were at risk of losing control of some of our land due to a pipeline proposed by Dakota Access, LLC. We were shocked by the threat of a private company using eminent domain to take our land, and we didn’t know where to turn for information or support. Fortunately, one of our state legislators joined us to offer more context, based on discussions he had already initiated with other Jasper County landowners.
That legislator was Rep. Dan Kelley, and he’s been on the forefront of protecting Jasper County landowners from eminent domain abuse ever since
During the 2015 legislative session, Dan championed legislation that would update eminent domain laws in Iowa to address this new and unforeseen threat. He has helped landowners connect with environmental and legal experts. He attended anti-pipeline rallies at the Capitol, as well as a hearing held by the Iowa Utilities Board to deliberate on Dakota Access's request for a permit to construct the pipeline.
Even though the IUB has ruled in favor of the pipeline project, the fight is not over.
Dakota Access has numerous hoops to jump through before they can begin construction. In fact, that company is now under scrutiny for allegations that they have begun clearing trees and creating in-roads on some landowners’ properties — activities that might be considered as “construction.”
If you are a landowner and have had a similar experience with Dakota Access, LLC, or if you have signed an easement agreement with that company and are reconsidering based on how you now see that company, I urge you to report your concerns to the IUB. I also encourage you to reach out to Dan, who will definitely have your back as a Jasper County landowner.
Kathy Holdefer
Mingo