(Des Moines, IA via the IOWA CAPITAL DISPATCH) – A House panel advanced legislation Tuesday that would require land restoration efforts following the initial construction of electric transmission lines in Iowa. According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, under House Study Bill 526, transmission line owners would be responsible for repairing tile drainage, tilling impacted soil and reseeding cover crops or other ground cover in the easement area following construction.

Kevin Kuhle, speaking on behalf of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, said land restoration following electric transmission projects is a “really important issue” for Iowa farmers.  The bill language states that electric transmission owners must “restore the land to its original condition to the extent practicable.” The Iowa Utilities Commission would implement the rules and impose civil penalties if electric transmission owners do not comply with the restoration requirements.

Similar language was included in Gov. Kim Reynolds’ proposed energy bill from 2025, which did not make it to the floor for debate.  Several other farm groups, and environmental groups registered in favor of the bill, while utility companies remained undecided on the bill. While HSB 526 applies only to electric transmission lines, Kuhle with Iowa Farm Bureau Federation said “it’d be great” if lawmakers extended the restoration requirements to other projects, including natural gas and liquid hazardous pipelines.

The bill passed unanimously from the subcommittee, led by Rep. Shannon Latham, R-Sheffield.