Anti-energy activists have a constitutional right to zealously oppose oil and gas production. They can do this, even as some drive to demonstrations in gas-guzzlers and heat their homes with natural gas they want kept in the ground.

Anti-energy protesters have the right to hold signs and yell at hardhat workers approaching drilling rigs for their shifts.

The First Amendment of the Constitution forbids government from abridging “the right of the people peaceably to assemble.” We love this law. Without the First Amendment The Gazette’s editorial board would have been silenced long ago.

If anyone tries to stop anti-energy activists from peaceably gathering to demand the shutdown of energy production, we will come to their defense. We will demand law enforcement uphold the right to protest.

With no less enthusiasm, we support two legislative bills that would protect oil and gas workers, companies and investors from anti-energy zealotry.

Senate Bill 17-035 may be heard Thursday in the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee. The bill, introduced by committee chairman Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, would impose accountability on protesters who ignore the “peaceably” qualifier in the First Amendment.

Read more at The Colorado Springs Gazette.