Commonwealth Policy Center

A natural gas pipeline exploded in Lincoln County last month, killing one and sending five to the hospital. The explosion was so big that it burned 30 acres of land and the heat was so intense that it could be picked up on weather radar! The tragedy has brought attention to pipeline safety. Of course, some groups oppose the development of new pipelines as unnecessary and dangerous. But if one Kentucky legislator has his way, obstructing new pipeline developments or other “key infrastructure assets” including pipelines will be elevated to a second-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. State Rep. Jim Gooch is the sponsor of the bill which comes after the high-profile Standing Rock Pipeline protests impeded construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.