(Radio Iowa) – Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed a new chair of the Iowa Utilities Commission. In April of 2023, Reynolds appointed Eric Helland to lead the commission as it reviewed — and ultimately approved — a construction permit for the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Reynolds had nominated Helland to another term as commission chairman, but the Republican-led Iowa Senate never voted on his leadership appointment.

Reynolds has now appointed Sarah Martz, who’s been on the commission for the past two years, to be its chair. Reynolds says Martz, who worked for Alliant Energy for over a decade, has the background to lead the commission as it navigates increased demand for electricity.

Iowa Utilities Commissioner Sarah Martz has been appointed chair of the three-member panel. (Iowa Utilities Commission photo)

Last week, the Iowa Senate overwhelmingly voted to confirm Joshua Byrnes to serve another term on the Iowa Utilities Commission. Helland, the former commission chairman, will remain a member of the panel through April 30th of 2029.