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.
Police enforcement of a search warrant for theft under $5,000 led to five arrests for obstruction, including the arrest of the daughter of a Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chief.
Five of the pipeline opponents arrested at blockades of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C. have pleaded guilty to criminal contempt. They include Skyler Williams, a high-profile leader of the 1492 Land Back movement.
Five of the pipeline opponents arrested at blockades of the Coastal GasLink pipeline in northern B.C. have pleaded guilty to criminal contempt. They include Skyler Williams, a high-profile leader of the 1492 Land Back movement.
On one side of a barricade in remote British Columbia, members of the Wet’suwet’en people hoped to stop a pipeline that would cross their traditional land. On the other side were heavily armed police.
