The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is seeking a large fine years after a massive spill tainted with diesel fuel. Critics say the pipeline builder
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Lawmakers pass bill increasing penalties for trespassing, committing crimes at oil refineries, power stations, natural gas pipelines, other projects
Updated Dec 22, 2020;
Posted Dec 22, 2020
Cattle graze on some hay near a massive Nomac drilling rig (#73) on the Colescott well in Harrison County, Ohio in this 2013 file photo. The well is owned by Chesapeake Energy and the drilling is subcontracted out to Nomac. (Joshua Gunter/cleveland.com, File, 2013)The Plain Dealer
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Senate Bill 33 cleared its final vote in the Senate Tuesday afternoon.
Over a dozen states have passed similar bills since 2018, as environmental and climate demonstrations have centered on energy facilities. Critics say the bill deters free speech and attempts to silence civil protests about important issues of the time.
Reid R. Frazier / The Allegheny Front
People who protest oil and gas pipelines and other infrastructure in Ohio could face stiffer penalties, under a bill passed by the Ohio House late Thursday.
The bill creates heavier penalties for trespass and tampering of critical infrastructure like oil, gas, electric, water, telecommunications and railroads.
Tampering with these types of facilities could mean a third degree felony charge, which carries a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to three years in prison, more severe than trespass charges at other locations.
This is needed, according to state Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord), who spoke on the House floor Thursday, because of the costly damage that can be done to this type of infrastructure.