Bost sponsors bill to prevent pipeline destruction

U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) has sponsored legislation that would establish a penalty for anyone who sabotages the nation’s pipeline infrastructure.

“Pipelines continue to be the safest way to transport oil and gas across our nation,” Rep. Bost said. “But under current law, radical environmental activists could damage the structure of a pipeline and get off scot-free, despite the fact they are putting the lives of workers and nearby residents at risk. My common-sense bill tells these criminals that if there’s serious damage, there will be serious consequences.” 

The Pipeline Sabotage and Accident Prevention Act, H.R. 1484, was introduced on March 9 and has two Republican cosponsors. The legislation would amend the U.S. Code to set the newly established penalty, according to the congressional record bill summary.

H.R. 1484 has garnered support from the Distribution Contractors Association, the Liquid Energy Pipeline Association, the Laborers’ International Union of North America, and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

The measure has been referred to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure; Energy and Commerce; and Judiciary committees for consideration.