S 1017119th CongressIn Committee

Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act

Introduced: Mar 13, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act would amend federal law to broaden the criminal penalties related to interfering with pipeline facilities. Specifically, it would replace the existing prohibited actions described in 49 U.S.C. § 60123(b) from focusing on “damaging or destroying” pipeline facilities to include a longer list: “damaging, destroying, vandalizing, tampering with, disrupting the operation or construction of, or preventing the operation or construction of” pipeline facilities. The short title signals an aim to strengthen protections around energy infrastructure. The bill was introduced in the Senate in March 2025 by Mr. Sheehy and several co-sponsors and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; no further action is described in the provided text.

Key Points

1Short title: The act is named the Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act.
2Core statutory change: Alters 49 U.S.C. § 60123(b) by striking “damaging or destroying” and inserting a broader list of prohibited actions, including vandalizing, tampering with, disrupting, or preventing the operation or construction of pipeline facilities.
3Scope of conduct: Expands the set of actions deemed criminal in relation to pipeline facilities beyond mere damage or destruction.
4Legislative status: Introduced in the Senate (March 13, 2025) by Mr. Sheehy and several co-sponsors; referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; no enacted provisions shown.
5Policy aim: Intended to deter a broader range of interference with pipeline infrastructure to improve energy security and safety.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Individuals and organizations that operate, construct, or manage pipeline facilities; potential defendants if engaging in the listed acts (damaging, destroying, vandalizing, tampering with, disrupting, or preventing operation/construction).Secondary group/area affected- Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary responsible for enforcing federal penalties related to pipeline interference.- Energy sector workers, contractors, and facilities near pipelines who may face heightened security considerations.Additional impacts- Potential increase in federal prosecutions for a wider set of activities around pipelines.- Possible implications for civil liberties and protest rights, depending on how broadly the term “preventing operation or construction” is interpreted and applied.- Implications for state and local enforcement balance and for compliance practices within energy infrastructure projects.

Generated by gpt-5-nano on Nov 18, 2025