Branstad to Legislature: Stay off Utilities Board turf

The state Legislature should stay out of the pipeline and power line decisions looming before the Iowa Utilities Board.

That was Gov. Terry Branstad's position during a meeting with reporters on Wednesday.

Branstad, who appoints the members of the utilities board, warned against "political interference" into the administrative review process by which a pipeline carrying Bakken crude oil and a transmission line transporting wind-generated electricity could be approved.

"It would be mistake to get politics into this," Branstad said. "We should abide by the processes that have been put in place."

The proposed pipeline would cut through 18 Iowa counties en route from North Dakota to Illinois. The Rock Island Clean Line transmission lines would pass through 16 counties from the wind fields of northwest Iowa to the Quad Cities.

RELATED: Foes of energy lines seek lawmakers' help

Lawmakers have already indicated interest in revising eminent domain laws to make it harder for companies to take private property for the projects and perhaps increasing financial guarantees in the event of an oil spill.

Legislative leaders on Wednesday said debates over the issues were likely, but acknowledged that they might be curtailed if the governor is unwilling to support any of the proposed changes.