The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe emphasized the critical nature of cybersecurity and climate change threats to the nation's water infrastructure. She stressed the urgency of coordinated action to protect public health and the environment in light of recent cyber attacks on water systems.
McCabe highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive effort to secure the country's critical infrastructure, stating that the new National Security Memorandum (NSM) plays a vital role in safeguarding public health and the economy. The NSM aims to enhance the resilience of U.S. critical infrastructure against all threats, ensuring a strong and innovative economy and protecting American families.
The NSM clarifies the roles and responsibilities of lead federal agencies in improving the resilience of critical infrastructure sectors against all hazards. EPA is designated as the official sector risk management agency for the water sector, with a focus on assessing and managing sector-specific risks.
Under the President's Investing in America agenda, the administration has allocated nearly $50 billion to modernize the nation's water infrastructure. This funding includes resources to build resilience to all hazards, such as climate resilience and cybersecurity threats, ensuring that investments are made to manage risks proactively.
In a time of strategic competition and evolving climate challenges, the resilience of critical infrastructure is crucial for homeland defense and security. The impact of climate change, natural hazards, and supply chain disruptions further underscores the need to strengthen the infrastructure that supports Americans' daily lives and business activities.
The new National Security Memorandum sets the stage for a coordinated national approach to protecting critical infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of evolving threats and challenges.