Tag Archives: Nick Wagner

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 →

Pipeline opponents praise IUB decision on insurance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, October 17, 2018, 11:00 a.m. CT Contact: Ed Fallon at (515) 238-6404 or [email protected] Contact: Christine Nobiss at (319) 331-8034 or [email protected] Pipeline opponents praise IUB decision on insurance Ruling clarifies DAPL must have $25 million for possible oil spill in Iowa Des Moines, Iowa —  In a decision favoring petitions filed by the Northwest Iowa Landowners Association (NILA) and the Iowa Sierra Club, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) ruled yesterday that, “Dakota Access, LLC, shall file information describing how it 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 →