Jennifer M. Granholm Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy | Official Website
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has welcomed the release of National Security Memorandum 22 (NSM-22) on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience, aimed at strengthening the role of Sector Risk Management Agencies (SRMAs) like DOE in leading risk management across energy systems.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm emphasized the administration's commitment to addressing risks facing critical infrastructure, stating, "We refuse to turn a blind eye to any risks facing our critical infrastructure, and today’s announcement strengthens President Biden’s whole-of-government approach to prepare for and mitigate against emerging threats and hazards to our energy infrastructure."
Granholm further highlighted that the actions taken by the Biden-Harris Administration will empower federal agencies, the intelligence community, and stakeholders to prioritize security in building a resilient clean energy future.
The memorandum comes at a crucial time when investments and advancements in technologies like artificial intelligence are providing opportunities to build for the future. An unnamed source noted, "Good investments require taking steps to manage risk, and for our infrastructure, that means building in resilience to all hazards upfront and by design."
With the increasing impact of climate change and other challenges, the NSM aims to fulfill the government's obligation to protect infrastructure and ensure the prosperity and security of the nation.
The NSM reinforces DOE's role in addressing short- and long-term energy challenges, with a focus on partnering with stakeholders and regulators to enhance the security and resilience of critical infrastructure.
Furthermore, the memorandum encourages the establishment of minimum requirements and accountability mechanisms for critical infrastructure security. DOE will collaborate with energy sector stakeholders to identify gaps and implement new requirements to mitigate risks facing the sector.
The Biden-Harris Administration's efforts, including the NSM-22, demonstrate a commitment to securing America's energy sector and building a resilient future for generations to come.