Measure bolsters oil, gas pipeline sabotage penalties

Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) recently introduced legislation that seeks to stiffen penalties for those who sabotage oil and gas pipelines, placing human lives and community safety at risk.

“Pipelines continue to be the safest way to transport oil and gas across our nation,” Bost said. “But under current law, radical environmental activists could damage the structure of a pipeline and get off scot-free, despite the fact they are putting the lives of workers and nearby residents at risk. My common sense bill tells these criminals that if there’s serious damage, there will be serious consequences.”

The Pipeline Sabotage and Accident Prevention Act is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Rick Crawford (R-AR).

The bill has garnered support from the Distribution Contractors Association (DCA), the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association (LEPA), the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

“Physical attacks on natural gas pipelines is an enduring problem and needs to be addressed,” DCA Executive Vice President Rob Darden said. “While DCA supports the right for peaceful activism, including peaceful protests, we strongly support legislative language that would hold those who engage in criminal activities during protests accountable. We thank Rep. Bost for his leadership on this important safety issue.”

LEPA President and CEO Andy Black said pipeline attacks can hurt the people involved, endanger the public and damage the environment if there is a release.

“Thank you to Rep. Bost for leading the effort to close remaining loopholes in federal law against dangerous pipeline attacks,” Black said.