Young, Commerce Republicans Introduce Bill to Protect American Energy

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) joined with fellow Senate Commerce Committee Republicans in introducing the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act to protect American energy from attacks or the threat of attacks. The legislation would deter domestic eco-terrorists from targeting pipelines that transport oil and gas in the U.S. by expanding the current criminal penalties to cover vandalism, tampering with, or disrupting the operations or construction of a pipeline.

“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.” 

Current federal law allows for criminal charges against individuals who damage or destroy operating pipelines. However, the law does not clearly apply these penalties to those who vandalize, tamper with, or disrupt the operation or construction of a pipeline. The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act would correct that oversight.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.