February 17, 2020
Several Acts were introduced to the US Senate in 2019 that specifically addressed the issues of energy infrastructure security. Each act covers an aspect of the reliability of the grid and infrastructure, along with addressing the protection and resilience of grid infrastructure from cyberattack. Security of production and delivery are stressed.
Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act
S.2094
Sponsored by Senator Cory Gardner and co-sponsored by Senator Michael Bennett, it was reported out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on October 22, 2019. The purpose of the Act is to provide Federal financial assistance to States in order to successfully implement State energy security plans to secure the energy infrastructure against all physical and cybersecurity threats. The plans would cover the risk of supply disruptions and ensure a reliable and resilient energy infrastructure. All energy resources and providers will be covered. The plan will incorporate a coordination between the State energy office and the State public utility commission, energy providers, and other responsible offices. In order to be eligible for Federal financial assistance, the State’s Governor will be required to submit the State’s energy security plan, or an annual review of the plan showing that it may stand another year, to the Secretary of Energy. This assistance is required to be used as a supplement to state and local resources.
Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act
S.1183
The Expanding Access to Sustainable Energy Act was sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar and co-sponsored by Senator Jerry Moran, Senator Cory Gardner, and Senator Angus King. It was introduced on 4/11/2019 and hearings were held, on 7/9/2019, by the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Energy. The purpose of the Act is to award grants to assist rural electric cooperatives with identifying, evaluating, and designing energy storage and microgrid projects, specific to renewable energy. Included are feasibility studies assessing points of energy storage and microgrid projects. The bill authorizes $5 million to fund programs each year from 2020 to 2025.
Securing America’s Infrastructure Act
S.174
This bill, brought forth to the US Senate in January 2019 by Senator Angus King, addresses security issues within the energy sector. It was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The goal of the Securing Energy Infrastructure Act is to enable the formation of a pilot program which would help identify sensitive or vulnerable areas within the energy sector. Of concern is infrastructure that is vulnerable to a cybersecurity incident which may result in negative effects on public health, public safety, and economic or national security issues. Of note are systems involved with data acquisition and systems controlling distribution. Also covered are operational technologies. In August 2019, the Act was put on the Senate Legislative Calendar.
Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness
H.R.2114
This Act was sponsored by Representative Bobby Rush. Introduced in April 2019, it was placed on the Senate Legislative calendar in October 2019. This Bill would authorize the appropriation of funds within the purview of the DOE to give assistance to states for the purpose of evaluating and improving state energy security plans. Goals are to have state plans which address not only physical threats but cybersecurity threats as well. Establishing secure levels of resilience and reliability of infrastructure are stressed.
America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019
S.2302
Sponsored by Senator John Barrasso and Senator Tom Carper, this Act would authorize an amount of $287 billion to be paid out over a five-year period toward the maintenance and repair of roads and bridges. Aspects within the Act address environmental protections, job formation, and bridge and road safety. Introduction to the house is pending.
By Julia Armstrong
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