Following the massive nearly-two-year long protests against the Dakota Access crude oil pipeline in North Dakota, Oklahoma became one of the first states to create a law cracking down on energy protesters.
Its law provides for long prison sentences and massive fines up to $1 million for those caught harming energy facilities such as crude oil and natural gas pipelines and facilities.
As the Keystone XL pipeline enters a possible construction stage in Nebraska, Montana and South Dakota, protesters are expected. And the issue of how law agencies plan to respond has already drawn a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU filed suit in Montana last week against the Departments of Justice, Defense and Homeland Security accusing them of hiding their preparations for the possible protests.
The ACLU contends the agencies are withholding documents where preparations are discussed with state and local authorities.
Oklahoma was one of 31 states that responded after the 2016 protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The ACLU and activists claim such bills and laws are really a concerted campaign by energy companies and their allies in government to suppress protests by increasing criminal penalties for minor violations, according to an investigation by Inside Climate News, a non-profit news organization that covers the environment, climate change and energy.
It reported the ACLU obtained documents from Montana state agencies showing where local law enforcement agencies have already started training in preparation for the Keystone XL project.