SE Wyoming News

Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-Wy) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), a member of the Senate Western Caucus, in introducing legislation aimed at protecting 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, with a focus on safeguarding energy infrastructure in the western United States.

“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 penalizes those who damage or destroy operating pipelines but does not clearly address vandalism, tampering, or disruption of pipeline construction. The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act seeks to address 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.