HR 1148 Introduced – Energy Cybersecurity Reporting

Last month, Rep Walberg (R,MI) introduced HR 1148, the Critical Electric Infrastructure Cybersecurity Incident Reporting Act. The bill would make DOE the designated agency to receive cybersecurity incident reports from critical electric infrastructure. It would also require DOE to publish regulations covering those reporting requirements. No spending is authorized in the bill.

An identical bill, HR 1160, was introduced three days later by Walberg. That version was considered by the Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Markup of the House Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Committee on February 28^th, 2023. That bill was recommended to the full Committee by a voice vote.

There is no telling why identical pieces of legislation were introduced days apart by the same person. Probably some sort of administrative mix-up in Walberg’s office.

Bills Introduced – 2-21-23

Yesterday, with both the House and Senate meeting in pro forma session, there were 55 bills introduced. Three of those bills may receive additional coverage in this blog:

HR 1123 To direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to submit to Congress a report examining the cybersecurity of mobile service networks, and for other purposes. Eshoo, Anna G. [Rep.-D-CA-16]

HR 1127 To allow for cooperate research activities between the Department of Homeland Security and Taiwan to strengthen preparedness against cyber threats and enhance capabilities in cybersecurity, and for other purposes. Gonzales, Tony [Rep.-R-TX-23]

HR 1148 To direct the Secretary of Energy to promulgate regulations to facilitate the timely submission of notifications regarding cybersecurity incidents and potential cybersecurity incidents with respect to critical electric infrastructure, and for other purposes. Walberg, Tim [Rep.-R-MI-5] 

I will be covering HR 1148.

I will be watching HR 1123 and HR 1127 for language and definitions that specifically include control system security within the scope of the legislation.