AMU Emergency Management Public Safety

U.S. Senate Passes Bill That Strengthens Power Grid Security

Bill aims to bolster power grid protection

The Senate passed the first energy bill in nine years yesterday, and the bill includes updates that allow for greater protection of the U.S. power grid.

The bill, [link url=”https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2012″ title=”the Energy Policy Modernization Act“], amends the Energy Conservation and Production Act, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

The wide-ranging energy bill includes updates to various energy-related topics, including amendments that give the federal government more ability to protect the power grid from both natural disasters and cyber attacks.

According to the official [link url=”https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2012″ title=”summary of the bill“]: “The Federal Power Act is amended with respect to cybersecurity threats, and requirements are prescribed for enhanced electric grid security as well as bulk-power system reliability.”

Flint issue delayed passing of the bill

While much of the bill has had bipartisan support for some time, the passing of the bill was delayed by disagreements surrounding the inclusion of emergency funds to help Flint, MI recover from its ongoing water contamination crisis. Senators dropped the Flint additions, ending the stalemate.

Cyber security & the power grid

While the bill covers a wide range of energy topics, a large portion is devoted specifically to the protection of the U.S. power grid. Amendments give the Department of Energy (DOE) more authority to intervene during a cyber crisis, and authorize the funding of various cybersecurity-related elements of overall grid protection.

According to the official [link url=”https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/senate-bill/2012″ title=”summary of the bill“]: “DOE shall conduct programs with respect to electric grid storage and related grid matters.”

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