This bill amends Section 478.18 of the Iowa Code to enhance the supervision and compliance requirements for the restoration of land following the construction of electric transmission lines. It empowers the utilities commission to oversee construction and maintenance, including inspections for compliance with newly established standards. The bill introduces a new section, 478.34, which outlines specific land restoration requirements that electric transmission owners must follow after the initial construction of lines with a voltage of 200 kilovolts or more. Key provisions include the repair of damaged underground drain tiles, removal of nonnative rocks, deep tilling of agricultural land, restoration of soil conservation practices, and reseeding of disturbed areas.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for resolving disputes between electric transmission owners and landowners regarding compliance with restoration standards. It allows the commission to appoint qualified inspectors to assess compliance and mandates that the costs of inspections and any required corrective actions be borne by the electric transmission owner. The bill also requires petitioners for electric transmission line franchises to submit a land restoration plan and allows for alternative agreements between owners and landowners regarding restoration practices. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies retroactively to certain transmission lines approved after July 1, 2020.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 478.18