House Passes Walberg's Energy Emergency Leadership Act

Yesterday, the House passed 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.

"Our energy infrastructure powers industries, drives innovation, and sustains daily life for hundreds of millions of Americans," said Rep. Walberg. "With an increase in attacks on our critical energy infrastructure, strengthening our cyber defense and emergency response capabilities in the energy sector has never been more important. I am proud to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to increase coordination within the Department of Energy to make our grid more resilient and ensure Americans have access to reliable, affordable energy."

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.