The bill amends Section 478.18 of the Iowa Code to enhance the supervision and compliance requirements for the construction and restoration of electric transmission lines. It grants the utilities commission the authority to conduct inspections for compliance with restoration standards after the construction of transmission lines, and allows the commission to contract qualified individuals for these inspections at the expense of the electric transmission owner. The bill also introduces a new section, 478.34, which outlines specific land restoration requirements that electric transmission owners must follow after the initial construction of high-voltage transmission lines, including repairing damaged underground drain tiles, removing non-native rocks, deep tilling agricultural land, and restoring soil conservation practices.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for addressing disputes between electric transmission owners and landowners regarding restoration standards, including the appointment of qualified individuals to inspect properties and enforce compliance. It requires electric transmission owners to submit a land restoration plan with their franchise petitions and allows for alternative agreements between owners and landowners. The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and applies retroactively to transmission lines approved on or after July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 478.18
Reprinted: 478.18