HOUSTON (AP) — Thirteen people were arrested during a protest in downtown Houston in front of the offices of the company that is building the Keystone XL pipeline.
Those arrested Monday were part of a group of protesters outside the Houston office of TransCanada. They were protesting the proposed 1,700-mile pipeline, which would carry oil derived from tar sands in Alberta, Canada, to refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast.
The 13 were arrested on misdemeanor trespassing charges after refusing to move from the front of the Canadian company’s offices. Police say each person arrested faces up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 if convicted.
The pipeline is still waiting for federal approval. Opponents say they are concerned about potential environmental problems with the pipeline, including possible spills.