“In several states, lawmakers and governors have introduced bills and orders that stiffen penalties for interference with pipelines and other critical infrastructure. Such moves can be effective in protecting the public from dangerous protester stunts like shutting off valves or burning heavy equipment, but they don’t address the underlying problem related to growing fears among local communities in multiple, disparate locations about the environmental consequences of energy development.
Educating voters on the details of energy development, production and use has always been an uphill task, given the technical nature of the industry and an often relatively low bar of general knowledge. To the extent that the industry has been less than forthcoming about predictable risks, the more misinformation about imminent dangers has festered.”
Click here to read more from Houston Chronicle.