The total project spans five states: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. It will slice through 2,500 miles of land and connect with 57 ethanol plants, and affects thousands of private landowners, many of whom have fought against the project. The portion approved in Iowa is 680 miles, a Summit spokeswoman told The Epoch Times.

Many landowners have said, in public hearings and official protest letters submitted to the IUB, that they object to allowing the company to have a right-of-way on their land.

With this decision, 859 land parcels can be taken by the company through eminent domain.

"After weighing numerous factors for and against Summit Carbon's petition, the Board found that the service to be provided by Summit Carbon will promote the public convenience and necessity," the IUB wrote in its decision. "The Board found Summit Carbon could be vested with the right of eminent domain."

Conditions of Approval

It did put some conditions on the approval.

Summit will be required to submit certain revised exhibits as compliance filings for IUB review before the board issues the construction permit. And Summit must obtain and maintain at least a $100 million insurance policy; comply with certain construction methods; and ensure that landowners and tenants are compensated for damages that may result during construction.

Also, Summit needs approval in all the other states.

"The momentum will continue as we prepare to file our South Dakota permit application in early July," said Lee Blank, Summit CEO in a statement. "We look forward to engaging with the state throughout this process and are confident in a successful outcome."

The company reports that it has already signed easement agreements with 75 percent of Iowa landowners on the route.