Pipeline Cybersecurity Topic Of House Bill

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Energy advanced several bills to the full committee supporters say will help strengthen core energy security missions and promote domestic energy infrastructure.

One of particular interest to the pipeline industry is H.R. 5175, the Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act.

It would require the secretary of Energy to carry out a program relating to physical security and cybersecurity for pipelines and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. The bill would establish policies and procedures to coordinate federal agencies, states, and the energy sector to ensure the security, resiliency, and survivability of natural gas pipelines (including natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines), hazardous liquid pipelines, and LNG facilities.

It would also require the Department of Energy to perform pilot demonstration projects relating to physical security and cybersecurity for natural gas pipelines (including natural gas transmission and distribution pipelines), hazardous liquid pipelines and LNG facilities with representatives of the energy sector, among other steps.

H.R. 5174, or the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, calls for updating the Department of Energy Organization Act to include energy emergency and energy security functions.

H.R. 5239, Cyber Sense Act, would establish a voluntary DOE program that tests the cybersecurity of products and technologies intended for use in the bulk-power system, including products related to industrial control systems. H.R. 5239 would also authorize DOE to provide technical assistance to electric utilities, product manufacturers, and other electricity sector stakeholders to help mitigate identified cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

H.R. 5240, Enhancing Grid Security through Public-Private Partnerships Act, would require DOE to establish a program to facilitate and encourage public-private partnerships to promote and advance the physical and cybersecurity of electric utilities that have fewer resources due to size or region. H.R. 5240 would also direct DOE to assess priorities, policies, procedures, and actions for enhancing the physical and cybersecurity of electric distribution systems.

H.R. 4606, Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act, would provide that applications under the Natural Gas Act for the import or export of small volumes of natural gas shall be approved without modification or delay.