S.1017 - Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1017, the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act, aims to amend Title 49 of the United States Code to enhance criminal penalties for damaging or destroying pipeline facilities. The bill expands the scope of prohibited actions to include vandalizing, tampering, disrupting operation or construction, or preventing the operation or construction of pipeline facilities. It was introduced in the Senate on March 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The primary focus of the bill is to protect American energy infrastructure by deterring actions that could harm or disrupt pipeline operations. This is achieved by broadening the range of activities subject to criminal penalties.
By increasing the penalties for interfering with pipeline infrastructure, the bill seeks to ensure the reliable transportation of energy resources.
Expected Effects
The bill's effect would be to increase the legal protection afforded to pipeline infrastructure. This would be achieved by expanding the range of activities that could trigger criminal penalties.
This expansion could lead to fewer disruptions of pipeline operations due to vandalism or tampering. It could also lead to increased prosecution of individuals who interfere with pipeline construction or operation.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced security of energy infrastructure, reducing the risk of disruptions to energy supply.
- Deterrence of vandalism and tampering with pipelines through increased criminal penalties.
- Protection of economic activity related to energy transportation and distribution.
- Potential reduction in environmental damage caused by pipeline disruptions.
- Promotion of public safety by preventing accidents related to pipeline interference.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for overly broad interpretation of "disrupting the operation or construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of," which could impact legitimate protests or activities near pipelines.
- Increased penalties could disproportionately affect individuals or groups with limited resources.
- Possible chilling effect on public discourse and activism related to pipeline projects.
- Risk of focusing resources on criminal penalties rather than addressing underlying issues such as pipeline safety and environmental concerns.
- Potential for misuse of the law to suppress dissent or opposition to pipeline projects.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution is generally sound, as it falls under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, including the transportation of energy resources. The expansion of criminal penalties does not appear to infringe on individual liberties protected by the Bill of Rights, provided that the law is applied fairly and does not unduly restrict freedom of speech or assembly (Amendment I).
However, concerns could arise if the law is used to suppress legitimate protests or activism, potentially infringing on First Amendment rights. The due process clause (Amendment V) also requires that any penalties imposed are fair and proportionate to the offense.
Overall, the bill seems constitutionally permissible, but its application must be carefully monitored to ensure it does not infringe on protected rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).