Tag Archives: Geri Huser

Letter to IUB Chair, Geri Huser

The escalation of climate change, coupled with the decision this week by Judge Boasberg to shut down DAPL, opens the door to a new conversation about Iowa’s role in addressing the climate crisis. Geri, you are in a unique position of leadership and influence. It is no exaggeration to say that, at this moment, more than any other Iowan, you could have an immensely profound impact on the climate crisis.

When Labor and Climate work together

Since June, Dakota Access has been pressuring the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to allow it to double the flow of oil through the Dakota Access Pipeline. To its credit, the IUB has refused to be pushed or rushed. In September, IUB members Geri Huser and Nick Wagner voted to require Dakota Access to file an amendment to its permit. Meanwhile in other states, Big Oil continues to push hard for legislation to punish peaceful, non-violent pipeline protesters. Last year's fight at the Iowa Statehouse recently garnered some attention in Wisconsin, where our coalition with labor has not gone unnoticed.

IUB holds DAPL accountable on insurance policy

Dear Friends, Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) opponents have had our share of criticism for how the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) has often handled matters. Most important, we feel strongly that the IUB never should have issued DAPL a permit in the first place — and we remain cautiously optimistic that the Iowa Supreme Court will concur when it issues its decision on the landowner/Sierra Club lawsuit. But to give credit where credit is due, today’s order from the IUB (see full text below) is commendable. Continue reading →

IUB ruling on DAPL liability (Oct 16, 2018)

STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE UTILITIES BOARD IN RE: DAKOTA ACCESS, LLC DOCKET NO. HLP-2014-0001 ORDER REGARDING INSURANCE POLICIES (Issued October 16, 2018) PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND On March 10, 2016, the Utilities Board (Board) issued its “Final Decision and Order” in this docket, granting a hazardous liquid pipeline permit to Dakota Access, LLC (Dakota Access), pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 479B. Among other conditions, the order required Dakota Access to maintain at least $25,000,000 in general liability insurance at all times while the pipeline is Continue reading →

Pipeline Fighters Challenge Utilities Board Conflicts, Decisions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 5, 2017 Contact: Christine Nobiss, 319-331-8034, [email protected] Ed Fallon, Bold Iowa: 515-238-6404, [email protected] Native Drummers, Singers to Rally at IUB to Challenge Dakota Access Pipeline Approval New concerns raised after IUB chair’s employment conflict unveiled Des Moines — Recently, Geri Huser, chair of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), was criticized in news stories across the country for doing paid legal work that potentially involves a serious conflict-of-interest with her full-time responsibilities with the IUB. As chair of the IUB, Huser is paid $130,000 annually. Yet Continue reading →