Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF428

Introduced
2/27/23  
Introduced
2/27/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to agricultural land restoration for electric transmission lines, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(See SSB 1201, SF 532.)

Impact

The bill introduces a structured framework whereby the Iowa Utilities Board will establish rules regarding the restoration of agricultural land. These rules will cover essential activities like revegetation, soil compaction restoration, drainage system repair, and more. It is aimed at creating a standardized approach to land restoration in the context of infrastructure development, contributing to the protection of Iowa's agricultural resources and rural landscape. This legislation will enhance the accountability of companies constructing transmission lines and ensure compliance with restoration commitments.

Summary

Senate File 428 (SF428) is designed to address the restoration of agricultural land impacted by the construction and installation of electric transmission lines in the state of Iowa. The bill mandates that any company seeking to construct or erect these lines must submit a comprehensive agricultural land restoration plan to the Iowa Utilities Board. This plan must outline specific measures to restore land affected by the construction activities, including rock removal, soil restoration, and drainage repairs, reflecting a commitment to preserving agricultural land integrity during such projects.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, SF428 may face scrutiny from various stakeholders. Proponents argue that it is crucial for the protection of agricultural land and ensuring that construction does not lead to long-term damage. However, some may see this legislation as adding regulatory burdens on energy projects, potentially delaying the development of necessary infrastructure. Moreover, the process for lodging complaints regarding compliance with the restoration plan could lead to disputes between landowners and companies, necessitating careful implementation to prevent conflicts.

Companion Bills

IA SSB1201

Related A bill for an act relating to agricultural land restoration for electric transmission lines, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 428; See SF 532.)

IA SF532

Similar To A bill for an act relating to agricultural land restoration for electric transmission lines, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1201, SF 428.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2227

A bill for an act relating to land restoration following the initial construction of electric transmission lines, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 526.) Effective date: 04/16/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2024.

IA SSB1113

A bill for an act relating to electric transmission lines approved by federally registered planning authority transmission plans including right of first refusal and land restoration requirements, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA SSB1166

A bill for an act relating to applications for permits to construct electric transmission lines, pipelines and underground storage facilities, and hazardous liquid pipelines, making penalties applicable, providing fees, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

IA HSB526

A bill for an act relating to land restoration following the initial construction of electric transmission lines.(See HF 2227.)

IA SSB1192

A bill for an act relating to motor vehicle glass repair, replacement, and insurance, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions.(See SF 573.)

IA SSB1112

A bill for an act relating to energy systems by modifying electric power generation, energy storage, and transmission facility ratemaking principles, creating tariffs for public utility innovation programs, implementing land restoration standards, including right of first refusal, modifying the energy infrastructure revolving loan program, and creating regulations for anaerobic digester systems, making appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See SF 585.)

IA SF573

A bill for an act relating to motor vehicle glass repair, replacement, and insurance, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly SSB 1192.) Effective date: 07/01/2025. Applicability date: 07/01/2025.

IA HSB123

A bill for an act relating to energy systems by modifying electric power generation, energy storage, and transmission facility ratemaking principles, creating tariffs for public utility innovation programs, implementing land restoration standards, including right of first refusal, modifying the energy infrastructure revolving loan program, and creating regulations for anaerobic digester systems, making appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(See HF 834.)

IA SF585

A bill for an act relating to energy systems by modifying electric power generation, energy storage, and transmission facility ratemaking principles, creating tariffs for public utility innovation programs, implementing land restoration standards, including right of first refusal, modifying the energy infrastructure revolving loan program, and creating regulations for anaerobic digester systems, making appropriations, providing penalties, and including effective date and applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1112.)

IA HF2757

A bill for an act relating to nuclear electric generation facilities by creating sales and use tax exemptions and refunds, making appropriations to the state board of regents for establishing and maintaining a nuclear energy workforce, making penalties applicable, and including applicability and retroactive applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 767.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 01/01/2026, 07/01/2026.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.