Pipeline Protesters Could Face 20 Years in Prison Under Texas Bill

"Two industry-backed bills in the Texas Legislature would charge environmental activists who allegedly engage in civil disobedience at oil and gas sites with a second-degree felony."

"Under a proposal being considered in the Texas House this week, activists who engage in civil disobedience to stop or delay construction on pipelines would be charged with the same level of felony as attempted murderers.

House Bill 3557, by state Representative Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, would increase the penalties and fees for intentional acts that “impede, inhibit or interfere” with the operations of “critical infrastructure,” including electric power facilities, water treatment plants and oil and gas facilities. The bill would go beyond the state’s definition of critical infrastructure to include equipment and projects under construction.

Alleged violators would be charged with second-degree felonies, which carry up to 20 years in prison, under HB 3557. Additionally, individuals would face a fine of up to $10,000 and organizations accused of violating the law would face a fine of $1 million. Violators would also be liable for damages. ...

Further, the bills raise significant First Amendment implications not just for protesters, but also for journalists covering pipeline protests, free speech advocates say. They too could be hit with felony charges if their presence is interpreted to interfere with operations — one reason why the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas registered opposition. Meanwhile, the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the Texas Pipeline Association, Enbridge, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and slew of other energy interests registered support for the bill in committee."

Candice Bernd reports for the Texas Observer May 1, 2019.

SEE ALSO:

"How New State Legislation Is Making Reporting On Pipeline Protests A Felony" (Freedom of the Press Foundation)

"Louisiana Arrests Water Protectors, Journalists At Bayou Bridge Pipeline" (Indian Country Today)

"N.D. Legislature Considers Bill Shielding Pipeline Projects From Public Records Requests" (Press Freedom Tracker)

"North Dakota Seeks to Restrict Access to Public Records After Standing Rock Reporting Exposed Law Enforcement Abuses" (The Intercept)

"More States Crack Down on Pipeline Protesters, Including Supporters Who Aren’t Even on the Scene" (InsideClimate News)

"Ohio and Iowa Are the Latest of Eight States to Consider Anti-Protest Bills Aimed at Pipeline Opponents" (The Intercept)

"State Bills to Criminalize Peaceful Protest of Oil & Gas "Critical Infrastructure"" (CMD/PR Watch)

"Bills Criminalizing Pipeline Protest Arise in Statehouses Nationwide" (The Real News)

"ALEC, Corporate-Funded Bill Mill, Considers Model State Bill Cracking Down on Pipeline Protesters" (DeSmog)

Model Bill: "Critical Infrastructure Protection Act" (ALEC)