House Passes Walberg's Bipartisan Bill to Bolster Energy Security
Washington, D.C. -- Today, the House passed H.R. 3277, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act by a unanimous vote. Introduced by Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), the bipartisan legislation would require the Secretary of Energy (DOE) to assign energy emergency and energy security functions, including those concerning infrastructure and cybersecurity, to an Assistant Secretary.
“Physical attacks on the U.S. power grid rose by 71% in 2022, compared to the year before,” said Rep. Walberg. “This uptick in attacks on our critical energy infrastructure is deeply concerning and demonstrates the need for more action from the federal government. This bipartisan legislation will strengthen our cybersecurity and emergency response capabilities in the energy sector to effectively prevent and respond to outside threats. I am proud to see the House’s overwhelming support of this legislation which will better protect our grid and other essential energy infrastructure.”
“Ensuring that we are prepared to face emerging cyber-attacks has never been more important for the health and safety of our economy and our country. That’s why it’s vital that we have a dedicated leader to oversee a coordinated response,” said Rep. Blunt Rochester. “The Energy Emergency Leadership Act is a bipartisan way of helping us do just that while protecting our critical energy infrastructure and strengthening our national security. I want to thank Rep. Walberg and my colleagues from both sides of the aisle for their work in helping us get this bill to the floor for passage.”
The Department of Energy’s emergency functions have long been oriented around oil supply shocks despite an increase in attacks on energy infrastructure in recent years. This legislation would help elevate emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities as a core function for the Department, strengthening coordination across the Department and increasing accountability to Congress. Click here to watch Rep. Walberg's floor remarks.