“Americans burning American made equipment which is owned and operated by American companies, employing American union workers, working on a pipeline owned and operated by an American company for transporting crude oil produced in America for American consumers is a shameful act by a group of people trying to disrupt our country’s energy security and independence,” she said. “We have increased security along the route and are actively pursuing the situation with law enforcement. If caught, we will prosecute to the maximum extent allowed by law, both criminally and civilly. We will not tolerate this kind of activity, which is a safety hazard to all concerned.”

Chad Carter, vice president of the International Union of Operating Engineers, said Local 234 has members working in Mahaska and Jasper counties.

Destroying construction equipment impacts workers — not the pipeline, Carter said.

“That’s who it’s harming the most, members and residents of Iowa,” he said. “And I hate to say, but the pipeline has all the permits so it’s going to be built. So let’s let members of Local 234 and Iowa residents get to work.”

Dakota Access last week received approval from the Army Corps of Engineers for the final permits necessary. Construction began earlier this year on other portions of the pipeline.