ACTION ALERT — WEST VA. ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
WV.Legislature’s House Bill 4615, the anti-protest bill being touted as “criminal infrastructure protection,” is intended to intimidate and silence environmentalists. It hands industry even more power, with no regard for our people. Further criminalizing actions that are already illegal is unnecessary and will further crowd our jails and prisons.
The bill passed on the final night of session. We worked to have the bill amended substantially.
About the HB-4615:
The bill disproportionately affects land owners where a pipeline right of way has been placed on their land. In this instance, the land owner still OWNS the land, while the corporation LEASES, yet the landowner is guilty of trespassing. For example, Becky Crabtree was arrested for protesting a pipeline on her family farm. Under this bill, the penalties would have been much harsher.
This bill seeks to further marginalize and criminalize those who dare to try right wrongs. This bill seeks to protect corporations over people, aims to protect those whose pollution trespasses on public health and safety, whose pollution trespasses into our air, water, land, and bodies, and whose actions trespass upon our property rights, and who, with this bill seek to trespass on our right to protest those very trespasses.
What You Can Do:
First of all, THANK the senators that worked hard to amend the bill. Specifically thank Senators Trump, Weld, and Lindsay. Their work made the bill less bad in many ways.
Second, Reach out to the Governor…often! Urge Governor Justice to VETO this bill!! Click here to contact the Governor.
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