Pipeline Operators Call for Congress to Close Loophole That Shields Vandals From Federal Criminal Prosecution

Operators tell House panel one statutory tweak could reduce the $50 billion to $100 billion that the industry pays annually to repair damage from tampering.

Fresh nuts, bolts and fittings are ready to be added to the east leg of the pipeline near St. Ignace as Enbridge prepares to test the Line 5 pipeline under the Straits of Mackinac in Mackinaw City, Mich., on June 8, 2017. The Canadian Press/AP/Dale G. Young

Pipeline operators want Congress to amend federal law to eliminate a “loophole” they say allows vandals to tamper with energy infrastructure with few legal repercussions.

Right now, under U.S. Code Section 60123(b) of title 49, convictions for purposely or negligently damaging energy infrastructure and destroying pipelines draw 15-year, five-year, and one-year prison sentences and fines up to $25,000.