Indy Standard

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has collaborated with fellow Senate Commerce Committee Republicans to introduce the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act. This legislation aims to protect American energy infrastructure from attacks or threats by expanding criminal penalties for vandalism, tampering, or disrupting pipeline operations or construction.

“About ninety percent of America’s transportation sector is reliant on oil, and pipeline disruptions pose a major threat to America’s energy security,” said Senator Young. “Our legislation takes much-needed steps to better protect our critical infrastructure and deter attacks on America’s pipelines.”

Currently, federal law allows for criminal charges against individuals who damage or destroy operating pipelines but does not clearly extend these penalties to those who vandalize, tamper with, or disrupt pipeline operations or construction. The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act seeks to address this gap.

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

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