House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Full Committee Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Energy Subcommittee Chairman Bobby Rush (D-IL), and Energy Subcommittee Ranking Member Fred Upton (R-MI) released the following statements on the reintroduction of several bipartisan energy bills designed to secure America’s energy infrastructure. They urge support and action on these bipartisan solutions, especially in the wake of the Colonial Pipeline cybersecurity attack.
“The House Energy and Commerce Committee is the best equipped committee to lead bipartisan cybersecurity solutions, especially to protect our nation’s energy infrastructure and pipelines. The Colonial Pipeline cyberattack and the ripple effects being felt now across the country are sharp reminders of just how deeply we all rely upon our energy infrastructure every day, and just how crucial it is that we invest in modernizing and protecting it," said Pallone and Rodgers. “Doing so is a matter of national security, and we’re pleased to be working in a bipartisan way to strengthen our energy infrastructure, including by enhancing security and resiliency of our pipelines, LNG facilities, and electric grid, particularly through the Department of Energy (DOE). These solutions and related cybersecurity legislation should be enacted immediately."
“Last weekend’s cyberattack exposed our vulnerabilities and underscored the urgent need to strengthen our energy infrastructure and protect the systems that help power our way of life," said Rush and Upton. “The Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act will help the Department of Energy respond effectively to physical and cyber threats to our nation’s pipeline and LNG facilities. Our national security and economic vitality rely on the efficient transport of crucial energy supplies nationwide. Any prolonged delay in fuel delivery can hike gas prices, impact business operations, raise energy costs for American families, and invite adversaries to exploit these vulnerabilities. We need to work together now to prevent similar attacks from occurring in the future."
The Energy and Commerce Committee is leading on four bipartisan bills to secure America’s critical energy infrastructure:
* Reintroduced yesterday, the Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, led by Fred Upton (R-MI) and Bobby Rush (D-IL), will strengthen the Department of Energy’s ability to respond to physical and cybersecurity threats to our nation’s pipelines and LNG facilities;
* Reintroduced yesterday, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, led by Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Tim Walberg (R-MI), will help elevate energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities as a core function for the Department of Energy;
* Reintroduced April 30, the Cyber Sense Act and the Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act, led by Bob Latta (R-OH) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA), will bolster U.S. electric infrastructure by encouraging coordination between the Department of Energy and electric utilities;
* Reintroduced April 30, the Enhancing Grid Security through Public Private Partnerships Act, led by Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Bob Latta (R-OH), directs the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with States, other Federal agencies, and industry stakeholders, to create and implement a program to enhance the physical and cyber security of electric utilities.
