Rep. Bera's Electric Grid Security Bill Unanimously Passed by Science, Space, and Technology Committee

Press Release

The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee today unanimously voted in a committee markup to pass Representative Ami Bera's (D-CA) bipartisan Grid Security Research and Development Act. The bill will next move to the House floor for consideration.

"A strong and secure electric grid is critical to our quality of life, economy, and national security," said Rep. Bera, Vice Chairman of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee. "However, the cyber security landscape is constantly evolving, with attacks on the grid becoming more frequent and more severe. In addition, our electric grid is increasingly more vulnerable to natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. That's why I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan Grid Security Research and Development Act alongside Rep. Weber to strengthen the resiliency of the US electric grid and protect the American public. We need sustained investment in research and technologies to keep pace with these rapidly evolving shifts."

H.R. 5760, the Grid Security Research and Development Act would:

Authorize a comprehensive, coordinated research effort to advance cybersecurity capabilities for the energy sector across Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, National Institute of Standards and Technology, and National Science Foundation;
Authorize DOE to develop technologies to enhance the resilience of the electric grid and to improve relevant emergency response and management activities, including the development of technologies to withstand the impacts of climate change and extreme weather on energy sector infrastructure;
Require DOE to work with stakeholders to update relevant cybersecurity roadmaps and provide guidance on implementation of cybersecurity practices;
Authorize efforts to increase access to and use of test bed facilities to test and improve cybersecurity devices, components, and processes;
Support the development of a cybersecurity workforce by authorizing DOE to work with relevant Federal agencies and institutions of higher education to develop cybersecurity training and lessons; and
Authorize $150 million in fiscal year 2021 to carry out these activities, with 5% annual increases each year, rising to $182 million in fiscal year 2025.

Source