(Radio Iowa) – The head of the Iowa Utilities Board says there’s a limit to the questions that can be asked by attorneys for landowners who don’t want the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline on their property. The Utilities Board hearing on Summit’s application to build the pipeline is in its fifth week. Board chairman Erik Helland is citing a district court ruling about a previous pipeline hearing — and he says it gives the board authority to limit cross examination of witnesses that is repetitive.

Helland said “…We have clear authority to limit unduly repetitious testimony.” Bret Dubinsky, an attorney for the company, says not everyone is going to get the last word on every point that’s raised during the hearing.

Brian Jorde (JOR-dee), an attorney for landowners, objects.

Pipeline opponents had planned to have the director of the Science and Environmental Health Network testify today (Tuesday) through an online platform, but the Utilities Board recently ruled all those who testify have to do so in person. David Skilling of Algona took the stand this (Tuesday) morning air his objections to having the pipeline on his property. He’s concerned about a rupture and a lagging emergency response.

Another landowner testified Summit had moved its proposed route on his property in response to his suggestions, but moved it back when he did not agree to sign an easement giving the company access to his property.