North-central Iowan confirmed to another six-year term on Iowa Utilities Commission

DES MOINES — On a 45-1 vote, the Iowa Senate has confirmed an Osage man who is one of the members of the Iowa Utilities Commission to another six-year term.

Josh Byrnes was a former member of the Iowa House who has served on the commission since 2020.

The lone no vote on Byrnes’ confirmation to another term was Republican Doug Campbell of Mason City.

The Senate has yet to take up the confirmation of IUC chairman Erik Helland to another term. Some House Republicans have been critical of the way Helland handled the commission’s review of the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline project.

Legislators on Tuesday continued to work on state spending plans as they try to conclude the 2025 session later this week.