API Minnesota applauds crackdown on pipeline sabotage

The Minnesota Senate has moved to defend the largest project in Enbridge’s history with a new bill focused on warding off pipeline sabotage, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) Minnesota is applauding the effort.

The multi-billion dollar Line 3 replacement program was recently targeted by sabotage efforts when individuals attempted to turn off control valves therein. API has been fierce in its denunciations since, calling on federal and state efforts to address the problem. As such, the introduction of the Worker Safety and Energy Security Act (SF 2011) is one that they say will defend critical energy infrastructure and encourage proactive action against future damage.

The bill would, among other charges, penalize those who cause damage to such property with the intent to disrupt them with felony charges. It also would empower personnel of those facilities to detain anyone they suspect of doing so.

“The natural gas and oil industry takes sabotage attempts of pipelines extremely seriously, as the safety of our communities, the environment, and our workers is our number one priority. In addition, we also want to ensure that there is no service interruption to those who rely on reliable and affordable energy to heat their homes,” API Minnesota Petroleum Council Director Erin Roth said.

API represents all segments of the U.S. natural gas and oil industry. It is now actively encouraging the Minnesota House to follow the Senate in approving SF 2011.