Anti-Pipeline Activists

Opinion — Legislators across eight American states are drafting laws that would increase punishments to up to a $1 million fine and 10 years in jail for those who trespass on “critical infrastructure facilities,” which include oil and gas pipelines, power plants, and petroleum refineries.

In late October, over 80 members of the U.S. House of Representatives signed a letter urging U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to consider domestic terrorism charges for activists who damage pipelines or disrupt their construction. The letter, drafted by Rep.