Memphis Standard

United States Senators Marsha Blackburn and Tim Sheehy have introduced the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act, aiming to protect American energy infrastructure from eco-terrorists. Current federal law penalizes those who damage or destroy pipelines, but there is a perceived lack of specificity in addressing eco-terrorist actions. The proposed legislation seeks to close this loophole.

Senator Blackburn stated, "Left-wing environmental activists should never be encouraged to damage and destroy pipelines that Americans rely on. This bill would make the criminal penalties for vandalizing pipelines crystal clear."

The legislation has garnered support from several other senators. Senator Sheehy remarked, "Americans depend on affordable, accessible, reliable energy in nearly every facet of their lives, so holding eco-terrorist thugs who attack and try to prevent the flow of energy in our nation accountable is pure common sense."

Senator Ted Cruz emphasized the importance of passing the bill quickly: "The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act will help ensure that those who vandalize, disrupt, or sabotage critical pipeline infrastructure are held accountable. I urge my colleagues to pass this bill expeditiously."

Additional support came from Senator Dan Sullivan, who highlighted the risks posed by eco-terrorists: "Energy security and national security are inseparable. Eco-terrorists who blow up pipelines don’t just put people’s lives in danger; they jeopardize the livelihoods of hard-working Americans."

Senator Ted Budd echoed these sentiments: "America’s energy independence is fundamental to our national security. Radical eco-terrorists must be deterred from disrupting oil and gas pipelines."

The bill also received backing from Senators Shelley Capito, Todd Young, and Deb Fischer, each emphasizing different aspects of the importance of protecting pipeline infrastructure for economic stability and national security.

Co-sponsors include Senators Ted Cruz, Dan Sullivan, Ted Budd, Shelley Capito, Todd Young, and Deb Fischer.