Walden, Upton Statement on Energy Cybersecurity Bills

Statement

Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) and Energy Subcommittee Republican Leader Fred Upton (R-MI) released the following statement after the House unanimously passed three bills to strengthen the cybersecurity of our electric grid and other energy infrastructure.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of stopping supply chain threats, including ensuring the security of our electric grid. From electricity to WiFi, a secure, reliable grid is vital to all Americans," said Walden and Upton. "We thank our House colleagues for supporting three bipartisan bills that will bolster our energy security and keep our grid safe from cyberattacks, and we urge our Senate colleagues to take swift action to keep our electric grid safe and running."

Today, the House of Representatives passed:

The Cyber Sense Act of 2020 (H.R. 360), led by Communications and Technology Subcommittee Republican Leader Bob Latta (R-OH) and Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA), which would require the Department of Energy to test the cybersecurity of products and technologies intended for use in the bulk-power system;
The Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act (H.R. 359), led by Reps. McNerney and Latta, which would direct the Department of Energy to facilitate and encourage public-private partnerships to address security risks of electric utilities; and,
The Energy Emergency Leadership Act (H.R. 362), led by Energy Subcommittee Chair Bobby Rush (D-IL) and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI), which would ensure Senate-confirmed, Assistant Secretary level leadership of Department of Energy's vital energy emergency and cybersecurity missions to protect the nation's energy and electric power systems.

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