Pipeline Operators Applaud DOJ Pledge to Prosecute Vandalism

(December 11, 2017) The Association of Oil Pipe Lines (AOPL) is applauding a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) pledging to prosecute protesters who damage energy infrastructure. Strong federal prosecutions will occur when individuals or groups vandalize oil and gas pipelines or other U.S. energy infrastructure. “This department is committed to vigorously prosecuting those who damage this critical energy infrastructure in violation of federal law,” a DOJ spokesman said.

“The federal government can provide a deterrent to anyone getting hurt or causing a pipeline release into the environment,” said Andrew Black, AOPL president and CEO. The association explains that pipeline operators place shut-off valves periodically along the length of a line to help control the flow of product and isolate certain segments if needed. When operated correctly by trained engineers, pipelines are the safest way to transport the large volumes of crude oil and petroleum products Americans need.
However, pipelines operate under as much as 1000 pounds of pressure per square inch. Incorrectly closing a valve in the middle of a pipeline without simultaneous control of pumps before and after the valves could cause a pressure surge, rupture the pipeline, and cause a spill impacting the public and environment. An industry review of pipeline valve incidents found nine different examples of pressure surge releases, with one resulting in nearly 4000 barrels of crude oil spilled. Vandalizing, attempting to operate, or otherwise tampering with pipeline equipment is dangerous and risks hurting those involved, the public, and environment.

AOPL comments that pipeline operators recognize there are disagreements about how best to deliver the energy American consumers need. Voicing those views is a basic American right. However, taking protest actions that could hurt people or damage private property is not the way to express those views. Federal law prohibits damaging or destroying interstate hazardous liquids or natural gas pipelines.

DOJ’s recent declaration was part of a response to a letter U.S. Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) and 69 other House members sent to Attorney General Jeff Sessions in October, asking whether his department took any prosecutorial or investigative actions after four major crude oil pipelines in multiple states were attacked. “This is a critically important issue. Oil and natural gas pipelines provide vital services to millions of Americans,” DOJ’s statement noted. “Attempts to damage or shut them down not only deprive local communities of these services, but can put American lives at risk, cost taxpayers millions of dollars, and threaten our environment.”

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, December 11, 2017)