What?
Pipeline companies are attempting to criminalize pipeline protests?
Yes. We learned Senator Sheehy has proposed an amendment to the Pipeline Safety Act that would criminalize activities that could be perceived as “preventing the construction or operation” of a pipeline. Eco-Justice Collaborative immediately worked with others to prepare a rapid response organizational letter to oppose it. This letter was signed by 80 organizations in just a few hours - in time to be distributed to the Senate Commerce Committee a scheduled hearing that was subsequently postponed.
This amendment is a direct affront on all of our abilities to protest a CO2 pipeline project. Many of us have conducted activities - or may do so in the future, that could be construed as “disrupting” or “preventing the operation or construction” of a pipeline. If adopted, Senator Sheehy's amendment could be interpreted to include peaceful protests, organizing to stop permit approvals (including participation in the Illinois Commerce Commission proceedings), preventing surveyors from trespassing on privately-owned land, or even signs or banner hanging. It’s even broad enough to apply to participation in zoom meetings. The penalties for any violation could include fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years.
Call 855-980-2396 and EMAIL your U.S. Senators and Representatives today!
Take this opportunity to tell your Senators and Representative you are angry about Senator Sheehy’s amendment, which is an assault on your right to oppose a CO2 pipeline that could kill you.
Insist they both oppose this amendment and support common sense, life-saving amendments to any pipeline safety bill, that:
1. Require operators and developers to disclose emergency-response information to state and local first responders, route permitting agencies, and the public, including plume dispersion maps, to allow rigorous state, local, and private emergency response planning and route selection.
2. Require CO2 pipeline companies to fund local emergency response planning and preparedness, including training, drills, equipment, personal protective equipment, and real-time public alert systems.
3. Ensure nothing in the Pipeline Safety Act prevents states and local governments from setting zoning and routing requirements for hazardous liquid or CO2 pipeline facilities. Establish safety objectives consistent with PHMSA’s understanding detailed in letters to proposed CO2 operators.
Send an updated email now!
We've made it easy. Click here, modify your message, if you choose to do so, and then click SUBMIT to send it to your U.S. Representative and Senators Duckworth and Durbin. Remember Senator Duckworth sits on the Senate Commerce, Science, and transportation Committee, and will participate in the markup hearing when it occurs. Then share this message and action alert with family members, friends, and colleagues.
