police action
Credit: Mark Klotz/Flickr
Lawmakers push to penalize pipeline protests
Lawmakers, driven by fossil fuel donors, are working to expand criminal penalties for pipeline protests under new federal safety regulations.
In short:
- New federal pipeline safety legislation may significantly increase penalties for pipeline protests, broadening the definition of "attacks" on pipelines.
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee’s draft reauthorization bill could make even attempting to impair pipeline operations a felony.
- Advocates worry the vague language could criminalize peaceful protests, threatening free speech and dissent.
Key quote:
“What rights do these corporations have to come through our communities and wreak havoc and not be held accountable for anything they do?” — Anne White Hat, Indigenous activist.
Why this matters:
Increased criminalization of protests could suppress environmental activism, hindering efforts to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for potentially dangerous pipeline projects that threaten public health and safety. Read more: Why Indigenous women are risking arrest to fight Enbridge’s Line 3 pipeline through Minnesota.
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Credit: Mark Klotz/Flickr
Trial of land defenders fighting the Coastal GasLink Pipeline is put on hold as Canadian police come under scrutiny for excessive force
The defense for three activists from First Nations argues abuse of process by security forces around the pipeline construction site, as the U.N. and Amnesty International allege excessive force, surveillance and criminalization of land defenders.
Credit: Mark Klotz/Flickr
Trial begins for land defenders arrested at CGL drill site
Sleydo’ Molly Wickham, Shay Lynn Sampson and Corey Jocko face criminal contempt charges.
| BigStock Photo ID: 406718705 |
| Copyright: Anton_Medvedev |
Vietnam is jailing environmentalists who helped it secure billions
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Australia crackdown on climate protesters grows amid fight against gas project
This is on trend with a general increasing intolerance toward environmental protesters in Australia and an uptick in the use of direct action by protesters who feel the time is running out to meet climate targets and protect endangered species.
The day protest got personal
The battle over the climate is escalating, and nowhere more than in Western Australia, where a new generation of protesters is prepared to break the law to make their point.
The day protest got personal
The battle over the climate is escalating, and nowhere more than in Western Australia, where a new generation of protesters is prepared to break the law to make their point.
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