Board Supports County Role in Pipeline Case, Moves Forward With Canvass

ALLISON — The Butler County Board of Supervisors met Nov. 12, addressing an amicus brief contribution request and election canvassing.

The board discussed providing financial support and a letter backing the Iowa State Association of Counties’ amicus brief in the case of Couser v. Shelby County. An amicus brief allows an interested organization that is not directly involved in a case to provide legal or policy perspectives for the court to consider.

The Couser case stems from ordinances enacted by Shelby and Story counties in relation to the Carbon Pipeline owned by Summit. A federal appeals court ruled that portions of those ordinances were pre-empted by federal pipeline-safety law and by Iowa’s state-level regulatory framework. The counties have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review the decision, and ISAC argues the case could significantly affect the ability of Iowa counties to regulate land use and pipelines.

Public health officials Jennifer Becker and Misty Kofron, along with residents Pat Mennenga and Kim Junker, attended the meeting to express support for contributing. Following discussion, the board approved a $500 contribution to ISAC along with a letter of support.

Supervisors voted to approve the county’s claims before moving on to election matters. The board read the first-tier canvass results from the Nov. 4 city and school election.