Bill Summary
The "Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act" is a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the legal framework surrounding the protection of pipeline facilities in the United States. Specifically, it amends Section 60123(b) of Title 49 of the United States Code to expand the definition of criminal acts related to pipeline security. The amendment broadens the scope of offenses to include not only damaging or destroying pipeline facilities but also vandalizing, tampering with, disrupting operations, or preventing the construction and operation of these facilities. The intent of this legislation is to strengthen penalties for actions that jeopardize the safety and integrity of energy transportation infrastructure.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the proposed legislation, the "Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act," could affect people:
1. **Increased Legal Consequences for Vandalism**: By expanding the definition of criminal activities related to pipeline facilities to include "vandalizing," "tampering," and "disrupting operations," the legislation could lead to harsher penalties for individuals involved in such activities. This might deter acts of vandalism or protest against pipelines, thereby affecting activists or individuals who might have previously engaged in non-violent protests or civil disobedience.
2. **Enhanced Security Measures**: With the potential for increased penalties, pipeline operators may implement more stringent security measures to protect their facilities. This could lead to heightened surveillance and security presence around pipelines, which might affect local communities. Residents may experience increased police or private security activity, impacting their sense of safety and the overall atmosphere in the area.
3. **Impacts on Environmental and Community Activism**: The broader definitions of prohibited actions may chill activism aimed at opposing pipeline projects, as individuals may fear facing severe legal repercussions for their actions. This could result in decreased public discourse and engagement on environmental issues, affecting communities that rely on activism to bring attention to environmental concerns associated with pipeline construction and operation.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1017 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1017
To amend title 49, United States Code, to modify a provision relating
to criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 13, 2025
Mr. Sheehy (for himself, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Budd, Mrs. Capito,
Mrs. Blackburn, Mr. Young, and Mrs. Fischer) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend title 49, United States Code, to modify a provision relating
to criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Safe and Secure Transportation of
American Energy Act''.
SEC. 2. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
Section 60123(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``damaging or destroying'' and inserting ``damaging,
destroying, vandalizing, tampering with, disrupting the operation or
construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of''.
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