Pipeline Cybersecurity Act (H.R. 7272)

Summary

Tells the Secretary of Energy to create a program to help protect natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities from physical and cyber attacks.

What problem does this solve?

The nation's energy pipelines are at risk from physical and computer-based attacks, which could cause major fuel shortages. This bill sets up a government program to improve coordination, develop new security tools, and train workers to protect this vital infrastructure.

What does this bill do?

Improves coordination on security

Creates policies to improve teamwork between federal agencies, states, and energy companies to ensure the security of natural gas pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities.

Leads incident response

Directs the Department of Energy to lead the coordinated federal, state, and industry response to physical and cyber attacks that impact the energy sector.

Develops new cybersecurity tools

Creates advanced cybersecurity applications and technologies for voluntary use by companies that operate pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities.

Creates workforce training programs

Develops training programs for energy sector workers that focus on the physical and cybersecurity of pipelines and related facilities.

Provides technical tools for security evaluation

Gives the energy industry tools to help them voluntarily check, prioritize, and improve the security of their pipelines and facilities.

Preserves existing agency authority

Clarifies that the act does not change the security-related authority of any federal agency other than the Department of Energy.

Who does this affect?

Energy sector companies
Department of Energy
State governments

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens national energy security

Creates a coordinated federal program to protect the nation's vital energy pipelines from being shut down by physical or cyber attacks. This helps prevent widespread fuel shortages and economic problems.

When does this start?

The program would begin as soon as the bill becomes law.