---

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has officially signed HF 2227, a new law requiring electric transmission developers to restore agricultural and other lands to their original condition following the initial construction of power lines.

The bill, titled “an act relating to land restoration following the initial construction of electric transmission lines,” establishes enforceable standards for returning property to its pre-construction state. It includes both an immediate effective date and retroactive applicability provisions, meaning certain recent or ongoing projects will also be subject to the new requirements.

During a signing ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol, Governor Reynolds emphasized the need to balance renewable energy expansion with the rights and livelihoods of property owners.

“This legislation ensures that as we build the energy infrastructure of the future, we do not leave Iowa’s farmland or landowners behind,” Reynolds said. “HF 2227 guarantees that after the towers go up, the land can be put back to productive use.”

Key Provisions of the Law

Under the new statute, transmission line developers are required to:

· Restore the topsoil, drainage systems, and field contours to their original specifications where feasible.
· Address soil compaction and ensure that agricultural productivity can resume on affected acres.
· Comply with restoration timelines and standards enforceable by state authorities.

The retroactive applicability clause allows landowners who have experienced incomplete or substandard restoration from recent transmission projects to seek compliance under the new rules. The effective date clauses specify when the law begins to apply to pending and future construction.

Support and Opposition

The bill garnered bipartisan support in the Iowa House and Senate, driven largely by agricultural groups and county farm bureaus. Advocates argued that previous regulations left loopholes allowing construction crews to leave land with compacted soil, broken tile lines, and uneven surfaces that reduced crop yields for years.

“The days of ‘we’ll fix it later’ are over,” said a spokesperson for the Iowa Farmers Union. “This bill puts binding requirements on paper where before there were only handshake agreements.”

Opponents, including some utility and renewable energy trade groups, warned that the retroactive provisions could delay critical transmission projects and expose developers to unforeseen liability for work that met earlier standards. They also noted potential cost increases that could be passed down to ratepayers.

What Happens Next

With the Governor’s signature, HF 2227 is now state law. Landowners with concerns about recent transmission line construction on their property are advised to document existing conditions and contact the Iowa Utilities Commission, which will be responsible for enforcing the new restoration standards.

The law takes effect immediately, with its retroactive provisions applying to projects completed after a date specified in the final legislative language.