Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a legislative hearing to address the security of America's energy infrastructure in the face of growing cyber and physical threats. The session was led by Congressman Bob Latta (OH-05), who serves as chairman of the subcommittee.
Chairman Latta stated, “Altogether, this package of security bills comes at a critical time. Our adversaries remain close on our heels to overtake the United States as the leading technological superpower on the world stage. Our communities cannot afford to endure disruptive large-scale attacks that can be prevented with commonsense solutions and collaboration.”
During the hearing, lawmakers discussed vulnerabilities in power systems and ways to improve preparedness for emergencies. Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14) emphasized the importance of a reliable energy grid for maintaining American industry: “I like to tell people that the things that make America great are the things that America makes. Now, how do we do that? We do that with a reliable, dependable power system. Electric grids include all of those things that we need—everything that we need to make this country great. It’s the President’s reason for doing all of the things he’s doing that continues to make America great, so that we have a dependable, reliable, affordable energy supply. Would you agree?” Mr. Fitzsimmons responded: “Yes, I would, sir. And I would add to that the energy system has to be built to meet peak demand in the summer and the winter, when electricity is needed most or people die. The head of NERC has called the situation facing the grid due to the disastrous energy subtraction policies of the previous administration, a five-alarm fire for the grid. That is simply because of the premature retirement of too much reliable, dispatchable generation.”
Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) highlighted how severe weather events can expose weaknesses in energy infrastructure even without direct attacks: “Not only is my district rural, but we also experience severe winter storms that can threaten grid reliability, fuel delivery, and emergency response for days at a time. During Winter Storm Elliott in 2022, a prolonged cold and high energy demand strained the electrical grid. It disrupted fuel supplies, and it complicated restoration efforts. The storm underscored how weather alone can expose vulnerabilities across the entire energy system, even without a cyber or a physical attack. Under Secretary Fitzsimmons, how does DOE evaluate and plan for severe weather risks? And what steps does your office take to incorporate lessons from past severe weather events into preparedness, response, and coordination efforts?” Mr. Fitzsimmons replied: “That’s a great question because as I mentioned, the energy system is built to meet summer and winter peaks. That is our fundamental responsibility to keep the lights on. And so one of core capabilities that CESER has is a capability that's called Eagle Eye. It's run in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. And that allows us to have real-time situational awareness on power outages all across country.”
Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) addressed legislation aimed at improving emergency leadership within federal agencies: “I am particularly interested in Energy Emergency Leadership Act which would update Department of Energy Organization Act include energy emergency security functions assigned assistant secretary Mr Fitzsimmons will elevating DOE's emergency response assistant secretary elevate level communication coordination other agencies” Mr Fitzsimmons responded “I think what's more important than particular title head office holds mission office incredibly important We've been working refocusing clarifying CESER mission because it so important It's new office sometimes new offices kind struggle figure out where they fit What we've said CESER's mission provide timely actionable information sector That's then used inform development world-class cyber physical security technologies which are used harden secure infrastructure”
The hearing focused on both legislative proposals and practical measures designed to strengthen national resilience against emerging threats.
