Enhancing State Energy Security Planning and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2021

Floor Speech

H.R. 1374 is a bipartisan bill that has long-time support in the House. We passed it by voice vote on suspension in the 115th Congress and again in the 116th Congress. The legislation reauthorizes the State Energy Program and strengthens our energy emergency planning and preparedness efforts.

This is an important bill, and we are reminded why every year when we witness how States must respond to a variety of hazards, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, fuel supply disruptions, and physical and cyber threats.

We have had harmful hurricanes and will continue to do so. Consequently, there is an ongoing urgency for State energy planning and action.

The electricity crises in Texas and surrounding States this past winter provides a vivid example for State responses to energy emergencies; and, of course, the Colonial Pipeline incident last month had State energy officials working with Federal authorities to make sure people had fuel when they needed it.

This legislation provides States with the flexibility they need to address local energy challenges.

It also ensures that State energy security planning efforts address fuel supply issues, assess State energy profiles, address potential hazards to each energy sector, mitigate risk to enhance reliability, and incorporate regional planning efforts.

H.R. 1374 also helps States protect fuel and electric infrastructure from physical and cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities. It makes sure we are thinking ahead, not just about an actual threat, but how our energy and electric systems might be vulnerable in a broader sense.

The bill also encourages mutual assistance, an essential part of responding and restoring in the event of an energy emergency.

Prioritizing and elevating energy security planning and emergency preparedness is an important step in the face of increased threats, vulnerabilities, and interdependencies of energy infrastructure and end-use systems.

Protecting energy security requires defense in depth, which means a strong energy sector, strong State capabilities, and ensuring sector agencies like the Department of Energy have the tools they need to respond to energy emergencies. This ensures we can help people in energy emergencies, whether caused by weather or cyberattack, and help them when they need it most.

I urge support of H.R.

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Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, I would state in conclusion that I urge strong support for H.R. 1374, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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