Reps. Ruppersberger, Carter introduce companion to Senate grid security bill

Reps. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and John R. Carter (R-TX) recently introduced a House companion bill to legislation introduced in the Senate to improve energy grid security.

The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act of 2017 would create a two-year pilot program to study and identify security vulnerabilities as well as research and test technology that could isolate critical systems from cyber attacks.

“The serious threats to our critical energy infrastructure continue to escalate in cyberspace at an alarming rate,” Ruppersberger said. “We know our adversaries are exploiting vulnerabilities that exist at both large and small energy companies. In a world centered on technology, we must shore up systems that protect critical resources.”

The bill would also establish a working group to develop a national strategy for protecting the grid from cyber attacks. It would require the Secretary of Energy to submit a report to Congress on the results of the pilot program and the findings of the working group.

“Securing our country’s energy infrastructure is a national security priority,” Carter said. “Understanding where our system’s weak spots are will only enhance efforts to support robust efforts to ensure we have the most stable and secure energy networks in the world.”

Sen. Angus King (I-ME) and Sen. James E. Risch (R-ID) introduced the Senate version of the bill.