- 25-year federal prison sentence for attacks on critical energy infrastructure
- Over $1.7 million in damages to Keystone XL pipeline and power substation
- Case marks first terrorism designation for climate-related infrastructure attacks
A Canadian climate activist's radical actions have resulted in one of the harshest sentences for environmental terrorism in U.S. history. Cameron Smith, 50, received consecutive 12.5-year terms for coordinated attacks on energy facilities across North and South Dakota between 2022-2023. Federal prosecutors successfully argued that targeting operational infrastructure met terrorism criteria under U.S. law.
The September 2022 pipeline attack caused a 14-hour shutdown of Keystone XL operations, resulting in environmental contamination across 12 acres of farmland. Six months later, Smith struck a North Dakota substation, leaving 243 homes without power during winter storms. Forensic accountants calculated total damages at $1.73 million, excluding secondary economic impacts.
This ruling establishes new legal precedents for prosecuting environmental activism that crosses into infrastructure sabotage. Energy security experts warn that 78% of U.S. power stations lack sufficient physical security measures against such attacks. The Department of Homeland Security reports a 220% increase in domestic infrastructure targeting since 2018, with environmental motives accounting for 41% of cases.
Legal analysts highlight parallels to the 2013 Metcalf sniper attack on California substations, though those perpetrators remain unidentified. Unlike previous cases focusing on property damage, prosecutors here emphasized Smith's manifesto detailing intentions to spark energy revolution through economic disruption- key to securing terrorism enhancement.
Defense teams plan appeals citing Smith's autism diagnosis and Crohn's disease management needs. However, Judge Traynor's 98-page ruling emphasizes premeditation, noting Smith purchased night-vision gear and studied electrical engineering manuals before attacks. The sentence includes $2.15 million restitution and mandatory deportation upon release.