Murkowski targets gap in pipeline law

by The Associated Press

Legislation introduced by Sen. Frank Murkowski would make shooting at the trans-Alaska oil pipeline a federal crime.

Federal law prohibits shooting at pipelines that run between states. The trans-Alaska oil pipeline is entirely within Alaska.

Murkowski’s amendment was adopted by unanimous consent March 7 during debate over the Democratic energy bill. It was attached to another energy bill amendment on pipeline safety sponsored by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and approved March 8.

Murkowski said the October shooting of the pipeline revealed a shortcoming in the law.

Murkowski’s bill would make it a federal crime for people to shoot at in-state pipelines that carry petroleum or hazardous materials if the disruption of those pipelines could affect interstate commerce. People convicted of shooting at an in-state line could receive up to 15 years in prison under Murkowski’s bill.

Murkowski spokesman Chuck Kleeschulte said the amendment would affect 72 oil and hazardous liquids pipelines in 32 states, as well as 1,305 natural gas pipelines in all 50 states.