My St. Pat’s Day reflection on fairies and fracking

Stopping the abuse of eminent domain has become the defining issue in Iowa this year. A recent Des Moines Register poll found 78% of Iowans across the political spectrum oppose using eminent domain to build CO2 pipelines. That’s an astounding preponderance of opinion on one side of a very important issue.

Seventy-eight percent oughta be way more than enough to compel politicians to take action. To quote Senator Zaun from our conversation, “If Republicans don’t protect property rights, they’ll be on the road to being in the minority.”

Zaun believes the House and Senate will pass eminent domain legislation this year. That’s encouraging. Still, it’s remarkable that Senate Republicans were unable to push an eminent domain bill through committee before last week’s “funnel.” At least a promising bill is alive in the House, though it may take every ounce of public pressure and political courage to pass it.

I believe Zaun is correct when he says that if Republicans don’t rein in the abuse of eminent domain, they’ll probably lose seats in 2024. Continue Reading →

A Fourth-of-July Stand Against Injustice

Dear Friends, I sound like a one-trick pony lately, but that’s how serious is this fight against the Bakken Pipeline. Led by farmers, landowners, tribal communities, environmentalists and a dedicated Continue Reading →

Hold Exxon accountable for climate change coverup

Dear Friends, A year ago today, I was arrested by my friends with the Iowa State Patrol because Governor Branstad refused to hear the stories of landowners I’d met during my 400-mile Continue Reading →

Walking the (pipe)line

Dear Friends, I have one request of you this week: Please forward this message to at least one media contact and your personal and/or professional network. Help get the word Continue Reading →