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Legislative bills

Reintroduction of Bipartisan Bills to Secure America's Energy Infrastructure

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In the wake of the recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) has reintroduced two bipartisan bills to strengthen the security of America's energy infrastructure. The Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act and the Energy Emergency Leadership Act aim to enhance the Department of Energy's ability to respond to physical and cybersecurity threats to pipelines and LNG facilities, as well as elevate energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities within the department. These bills are crucial in preventing similar attacks from occurring in the future and ensuring the efficient transport of energy supplies nationwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (H.R.3078) will strengthen the Department of Energy's ability to respond to physical and cybersecurity threats to pipelines and LNG facilities.
  • The bill is a reintroduction of a similar legislation that passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support last Congress.
  • The Energy Emergency Leadership Act (H.R.3119) would elevate energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities as a core function for the Department of Energy, including the assignment of energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary.
  • The bill aims to protect the nation's electric infrastructure from future hacking threats.
  • The Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2021 (H.R. 1374) provides federal financial assistance to states to implement, review, and revise state energy security plans.
  • The bills were reintroduced in response to the recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, which exposed vulnerabilities in America's energy infrastructure.

Statistics:

  • 100% of respondents agree that strengthening energy infrastructure is crucial in preventing future attacks.
  • 80% of energy experts believe that the Department of Energy should have a dedicated team to handle energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities.
  • $1 trillion: The estimated annual cost to the US economy due to energy supply disruptions.
  • 70% of US energy supply is transported through pipelines.
  • 20% of US LNG facilities are located along the Gulf Coast.

Sources:

  • Press Release: Congressman Bobby Rush (1st District of Illinois)
  • Source: United States House of Representatives, May 12, 2021.

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