Coalition launches crackdown on eco-terrorism

By Jeff Plungis
November 12, 2003
 
 
WASHINGTON -- An Indiana congressman with an Hummer SUV plant in his district
along with a group of concerned business owners are leading an effort to crack down on eco-terrorism.

After a string of fires targeting SUV dealers and housing developments, Rep. Chris Chocola introduced legislation that would define eco-terrorism and make it a federal crime. Chocola said his bill would give prosecutors the tools to put environmentalists who commit violence behind bars.

"It's terrorism," said Chocola, whose district includes the Mishawaka, Ind., plant that makes General Motors Corp.'s Hummer SUVs. "We ought to call it what it is. I don't think they've killed anyone yet, but it's only a matter of time."

A key target for prosecution is the Earth Liberation Front, which has become the FBI's most-wanted domestic terrorist organization. But an extensive federal investigation has yielded few arrests. The Earth Liberation Front, which identifies itself by its acronym, ELF, has increasingly identified SUV dealerships as a prime target.

In the most dramatic incident to date, ELF activists torched Clippenger Chevrolet-Hummer in West Covina, Calif., near Los Angeles. More than 100 vehicles, mostly SUVs, were damaged or destroyed, and the fire spread to buildings, causing more than $3 million in damage. Auto dealers across the country have reported increasing security costs and insurance premiums since the attacks began.

The National Association of Automobile Dealers is backing Chocola's efforts as a way to raise awareness about the damage the group is causing, said Tom Greene, chief operating officer of NADA's legislative affairs office. "It's an increasing threat to both vehicles and buildings," Greene said. NADA plans to use its network of politically powerful dealers to get the bill passed.

Chocola's bill has attracted 42 co-sponsors, including Michigan members Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, Candace Miller, R-Harrison Township, and Thaddeus McCotter, R-Livonia.

"We need to send a very clear signal very early that this is a serious crime," said Rogers, a former FBI agent.

The bill would make it a felony to engage in any eco-terrorist activity. An eco-terrorist act that resulted in death would be punishable by life in prison. The penalty would be an extra 10 years for any serious injury and five years for property damage.

The FBI is also investigating incidents involving burning SUVs in Duarte, Calif., Santa Cruz, Calif., Sante Fe, N.M., Seattle, Eugene, OR., Erie, Pa. and Richmond, Va.

In Michigan, a Perrier pumping station in Mecosta County was targeted in September. Two bombs placed at the complex near Rodney, about 75 miles northwest of Lansing. The bombs failed to go off, but the ELF took credit for the action. Earlier this year, the ELF took credit for fires that destroyed new homes in Macomb County and Washington Township. The group said it was trying to stop suburban sprawl.

Dawn Clenney, special agent for the FBI Detroit regional office, said the investigations into the Michigan incidents were still pending.

You can reach Jeff Plungis at (202) 662-7378 or at jplungis@detnews.com.