Subcommittee Advances Walberg's Energy Emergency Leadership Act

Last week, the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy advanced the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, which was introduced by Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI), Laurel Lee (R-FL), and Greg Landsman (D-OH). The bipartisan legislation would amend the Department of Energy Organization Act to require the Secretary of the Department of Energy (DOE) to assign energy emergency and energy security functions to an Assistant Secretary. This would include responsibilities related to infrastructure, cybersecurity, and supply and emergency planning. 

"We have seen a growing surge in physical and cyber threats targeting our nation’s critical energy infrastructure, and our response must keep pace with these evolving risks," said Rep. Walberg. "I am pleased to work with Representatives Lee and Landsman on this bipartisan legislation to elevate energy emergency preparedness and cybersecurity as core responsibilities within the Department of Energy. By strengthening leadership, coordination, and planning, this legislation will improve the resiliency of our electrical grid and ensure the United States is better prepared to respond to emerging energy security threats.” 

“America’s electric grid is the backbone of our economy, our national security, and our daily lives,” said Rep. Lee. “As our energy infrastructure becomes more interconnected and digitized, the risks we face are growing. The Energy Emergency Leadership Act ensures the Department of Energy treats grid security as the top-tier priority it must be, with clear leadership, stronger coordination, and accountability to Congress.” 

"We need strong leadership to ensure a quick response when we face emergencies,” said Rep. Landsman. “This is a commonsense solution to better protect our energy systems and strengthen our response when it matters most.” 

The Department of Energy's emergency functions have long been oriented around oil supply shocks, despite new threats, and are not clearly identified as core functions. This can be problematic for department leadership, management, and coordination on these issues, especially with increasing cybersecurity threats. This legislation would help elevate energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities as a core function for the Department and better protect our grid and critical energy infrastructure.