This page details the status of existing court cases involving the Iowa Utilities Commission and provides recent court filings.
Updated April 29, 2025
LS Power Midcontinent and Southwest Transmission v. State of Iowa, Iowa Utilities Board, Erik Helland, et al.
Polk County District Court Case No. CVCV060840 / Appeal Case No. 21-0696
Subject: Challenge to adoption of Iowa Code § 478.16, granting right of first refusal to build transmission lines
Original Petition: Petition for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief filed October 14, 2020. (Large file; for assistance, contact the IUC at 515-725-7300.)
Current Status: Order issued March 14, 2025, denying the motion to enforce the injunction filed by LS Power.
Recent Filings: Order Denying Plaintiff's Motion to Enforce Permanent Injunction.
Enterprise Products Operating, LLC v. Iowa Utilities Board
Polk County District Court Case No. CVCV065780 / 24-1648
Subject: Judicial review of agency orders in Docket No. SPU-2023-0003 regarding agency's order assessing civil penalties for Enterprise’s failure to have required permits.
Original Petition: Petition for Judicial Review of Agency Action filed July 7, 2023.
Current Status: Appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court on October 11, 2024. Awaiting notice from the Court.
Jorde Landowners et al. v. Iowa Utilities Commission
Polk County District Court Case No. CVCV067849
Subject: Judicial review of agency order in Docket No. HLP-2021-0001
Original Petition: Petition for Judicial Review filed September 10, 2024.
Of note: Proceeding consolidated with five additional Polk County District Court Cases: Petitioners Allan Boeck et al., CVCV067869; Sierra Club Iowa Chapter, CVCV067871; Robert Soat et al., CVCV067873; Greg Kracht et al., CVCV067874; and Kerry Hirth et al., CVCV032240.
Current Status: Briefing schedule set March 13, 2025, and Motion to Intervene denied on March 21, 2025. Petitioners’ Proof Briefs due May 28, 2025. IUC’s Proof Brief & Designation of Appendix due July 2, 2025.
Recent Filings: Order Setting Hearing. Order Amending Briefing Schedule. Ruling on Driftless Water Defenders' Motion to Intervene.
Swan Lake Road Farms v. Iowa Utilities Commission and ITC Midwest LLC
Polk County District Court Case No. CVCV068000
Subject: Judicial review of agency order in Docket No. E-22501 granting electric transmission line franchise
Original Petition: Petition for Judicial Review filed October 10, 2024.
Current Status: Oral argument was held February 28, 2025. Awaiting ruling.
Recent Filings: Petitioner's Opening Brief. IUC’s Brief. Intervenor ITC Midwest’s Brief. Order for Continuance of Hearing. Petitioner’s Response Brief. Order Granting Amici Curiae.
Note: Court cases that began prior to July 1, 2024, reference the Iowa Utilities Commission's prior name, Iowa Utilities Board, unless changed as part of the proceedings.