Indy Standard

U.S. Senators Todd Young and Tim Sheehy have reintroduced the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act, aimed at enhancing legal protections for American energy infrastructure against eco-terrorism. The legislation seeks to address gaps in current federal law that penalizes those who damage or destroy pipelines.

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

Senator Sheehy highlighted the necessity of holding eco-terrorists accountable, saying, "Americans rely on affordable, accessible, reliable energy in nearly every facet of their lives, so holding eco-terrorist thugs who attack and try to prevent the flow of energy in our nation accountable is pure common sense."

The bill is supported by several other senators including Ted Cruz, Dan Sullivan, Ted Budd, Shelley Moore Capito, Marsha Blackburn, and Deb Fischer. It aims to close existing legal loopholes by specifying criminal penalties for actions such as vandalizing or tampering with pipeline operations.

The need for this legislation is underscored by past incidents such as a 2016 event where climate activists shut off valves on pipelines in Minnesota. Although they admitted their actions, a judge ruled there was insufficient proof of damage. The proposed bill intends to clarify what constitutes criminal activity concerning pipeline interference.

The act's proponents argue that these clarifications will serve as a deterrent against future assaults on energy infrastructure.