Lummis Joins Charge to Penalize Eco-Terrorists Who Vandalize Pipelines

September 17, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), a member of the Senate Western Caucus, in introducing legislation to protect U.S. energy infrastructure from attacks and threats by radical environmentalists. The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act would expand criminal penalties to include vandalism, tampering and disruption of pipelines which will protect energy infrastructure out west.

"America's energy industry is critical to our national security, yet there is little recourse for punishing eco-terrorists who attempt to tamper with or disrupt pipeline construction or operations," said Senator Lummis. "We can no longer allow far-left extremists to get a pass for their blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of innocent Americans which is why I am partnering with Senator Cruz to ensure these crimes do not go unpunished."

Current federal law punishes those who damage or destroy operating pipelines but does not clearly cover vandalism, tampering or disruption of pipeline construction. The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act addresses this gap. In 2018, charges were dropped against environmental extremists who attempted to shut down Minnesota pipelines because it couldn't be proven their actions caused 'damage.'

Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) cosponsored the legislation.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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