The U.S. Energy Department could soon take on more cybersecurity and resiliency responsibilities.
The House has passed Republican U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee’s Energy Emergency Leadership Act (HR 7258) to strengthen and secure the U.S. power grid.
“The Energy Emergency Leadership Act strengthens our nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to threats to our electric grid by establishing clear leadership and accountability within the Department of Energy during energy emergencies,” Lee said.
“As cyber threats against our nation’s critical energy infrastructure continue to grow, we need a federal government that is prepared to respond quickly and effectively. That leadership is especially important for Florida, where hurricanes and other severe weather events regularly test the resilience of our energy infrastructure. Reliable electricity is essential for our families, hospitals, military installations, businesses, and economy. This commonsense bipartisan legislation will help strengthen our nation’s energy resilience and ensure the federal government is prepared when emergencies occur.”
The legislation was among several bills dealing with energy taken up on the House floor. The bipartisan bill passed on a voice vote, months after Lee carried the bill through the Energy and Commerce Committee.
On the floor, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, a Tampa Democrat, touted the importance of the legislation as well. She noted the importance of the bill requiring a Senate-confirmed leader to direct the Office of Cyber Security, Energy Security, and Emergency Response.
“As the grid becomes increasingly complex and faces a host of new challenges, it is critical that ensuring the security of the grid is managed by top officials,” Castor said.
She said the Energy Department already plays a key role in addressing energy emergencies. The structural change means consistent and effective leadership will ensure proper response.
The legislation will now head to the Senate for consideration. Should it pass, the bill will go to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature.
