Cybersecurity Policy Report, House Commerce Committee Approves Cybersecurity Bills, (Jul 18, 2019)

By Lynn Stanton

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved without opposition bipartisan measures aimed at boosting infrastructure cybersecurity.

The committee approved on voice vote with no amendments four cybersecurity bills: the Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act (HR 359); the Cyber Sense Act (HR 360); the Energy Emergency Leadership Act (HR 362); and the Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (HR 370). The energy subcommittee approved all four bills in May.

HR 359 would direct the Department of Energy to encourage public-private partnerships to improve the cybersecurity of electric utilities. It would seek to improve sharing of best practices and data collection and provide cybersecurity training and technical assistance to electric utilities.

HR 360 would create a voluntary DoE "Cyber Sense" program that would identify and promote cyber secure products for use in the bulk-power system. It would establish a testing process for products and procedures for reporting cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

HR 362 would create within the Department of Energy an assistant secretary position subject to Senate confirmation, with responsibility for infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging threats, supply, and emergency planning, coordination, response, and restoration; and for providing technical assistance, support, and response capabilities with respect to energy security threats, risks, and incidents at the request of a state, local, or tribal government or an energy sector entity.

HR 370 would require DoE to implement a program to coordinate federal agencies, states, and the energy sector to ensure the security, resiliency, and survivability of natural gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas facilities.

News: Cybersecurity