Relating to agricultural land restoration for electric transmission lines, making penalties applicable, and including applicability provisions

This bill relates to agricultural land restoration for electric transmission lines. The bill provides that a petition submitted to the Iowa utilities board (board) requesting approval to construct, erect, or install an electric transmission line shall include an agricultural land restoration plan (plan). The bill requires the board to adopt rules for the restoration of agricultural land during and after the construction, erection, or installation of an electric transmission line. Rules shall address subject matters relating to rock removal, revegetation, soil, drainage, fence repair, and field entrances. Rules shall include additional subject matters concerning topsoil separation, temporary and permanent repair to drain tile, restoration of terraces, waterways, and other erosion control structures, restoration of land slope and contour, and construction in wet conditions in matters relating to below-ground installation. The bill provides that a person, company, or corporation requesting or having secured a franchise (franchise) shall designate a point of contact regarding questions and complaints and provide an address, phone number, and electronic means of contact for contact. The bill requires the board to review the plan and allows for required plan modifications. The bill provides that an affected landowner may file a complaint with the board for a franchisee’s or a contractor’s failure to comply with the plan. The board may informally attempt to resolve the complaint before initiating a contested case proceeding. The bill authorizes the board to consolidate similar complaints into one proceeding. If the board finds the franchise or contractor violated the plan or other provisions of Code chapter 478, the board shall determine a just and reasonable resolution and order compliance with the plan or alternative agreement.29. The bill does not preclude additional means of land protection or restoration in addition to the plan, rules regarding the plan, or other written agreements. The bill applies to transmission lines constructed, erected, or installed on or after the effective date of the bill.