MATSUI AND LATTA INTRODUCE BILL TO PROTECT ELECTRIC GRID, PREVENT BLACKOUTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) and Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) introduced the Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act, or SECURE Grid Act, to ensure states are fully prepared to prevent and respond to the risks posed to the electric grid by extreme weather, natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and other threats.
“Americans depend on reliable, affordable electricity for every aspect of our lives,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “Californians know all too well the need to be prepared and respond rapidly to wildfire, atmospheric rivers, and other natural disasters. At the same time, the threat of cyber-attacks continues to grow as more and more of our infrastructure becomes digitally interconnected. That’s why I’m introducing the SECURE Grid Act to provide state officials with the support and funding they need to anticipate and respond to any and all threats to our electric grid. I’m proud to work with Congressman Latta to modernize our electric grid and keep Californians safe.”
“We must ensure America’s electric grid is secure and resilient for families and businesses across the country. From extreme weather to physical and cyberattacks by adversaries that could disrupt our power supply, protecting the grid is a national priority. That’s why I introduced the SECURE Grid Act, to make sure the right steps are taken to strengthen and safeguard our energy infrastructure. I thank Rep. Matsui for co-leading this bipartisan legislation so, together, we can ensure the American people can rely on a resilient grid and never have to worry about keeping the lights on,” said Congressman Latta.
“NASEO strongly endorses the bipartisan SECURE Grid Act and we applaud Chairman Latta and Representative Matsui for introducing this critical legislation. The bill will make our Nation safer by supporting cybersecurity, physical security, local electric distribution systems, and the enhancement and implementation of state energy security plans,” said David Terry, President of the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO).
“The power grid is the backbone of the U.S. economy, and electrical manufacturers are delivering essential technology solutions to modernize the grid, meet rising energy demand, and manage cyber risk. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is pleased to support the SECURE Grid Act because it requires states to adopt a holistic view of grid security and readiness, including throughout generation, transmission, and local distribution systems. A comprehensive understanding of supply chains for the critical grid components that feed these systems can enhance grid security and reduce risk while encouraging modernization and effectiveness,” said National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) Senior Director for Government Relations, Peter Ferrell.
Background on the SECURE Grid Act:
The SECURE Grid Act would extend and expand a section of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which requires states to develop and annually update State Energy Security Plans that identify, assess, and reduce risks to energy infrastructure and allows states to use federal funding from the State Energy Program to implement these plans.
While State Energy Security Plans are currently required to consider broad vulnerabilities, including physical and cyber-attacks, the SECURE Grid Act gives states like California more control over our emergency plans and adds additional requirements for states to consider, including weather-related threats, cyber-attacks on local distribution systems, and threats to the electric grid equipment supply chain.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
Congresswoman Matsui has long championed efforts in Congress to support grid resiliency and protect Sacramentans from blackouts and wildfires. The Congresswoman co-authored the POWER ON Act, which was included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This created the Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) Program, which provided $10.5 billion in grant funding for states, local governments, tribes, and utilities to protect the grid against extreme weather and natural disasters. This program has provided $50 million for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), $67 million for the State of California, and $630 million for the California Energy Commission.
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