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Congressmen Latta, McNerney, Congresswoman Ellmers Introduce Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act

Washington, May 13, 2015 | Dan Alfaro (202-225-6405)

On Tuesday, May 12, Congressman Robert E. Latta (R-OH), along with Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Rep. Renee Ellmers  (R-NC), introduced H.R. 2271, The Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to amend the Federal Power Act and addresses electric infrastructure security. 

The legislation serves to better protect Critical Electric Infrastructure by enabling the federal government and private entities to better respond to, and mitigate grid security emergencies.

“This legislation ensures the protection of one of the nation’s most critical assets, our electric infrastructure,” said Rep. Latta.

“The Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act provides fortification to a system that impacts American’s daily lives. The viability of this infrastructure is essential to providing for our national security, our economic security, interstate commerce and the public health and safety of our citizens.”

“As we face new and growing threats, both physical and virtual, it is imperative we act to address these risks. I am proud to have worked with Congressman McNerney and Congresswoman Ellmers to present to the House this bipartisan solution.”

“Our nation’s electric infrastructure touches every aspect of our daily lives: We depend on it in the care of our families, for our health care needs and for our national security,” said Rep. McNerney. “Our grid remains vulnerable to physical and cyber attacks, and this common sense bipartisan bill allows for better coordination between the federal government and private entities, ensuring that we can quickly respond to attacks on our infrastructure. We must have all parties working together to protect critical infrastructure assets. I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues Mr. Latta and Ms. Ellmers on this legislation and hope that it receives consideration by the House.” 

“It is imperative we put measures in place to ensure that our nation’s critical electric infrastructure is secure, reliable and resilient,” stated Rep. Ellmers. “When there is a credible threat to our grid, we must act in a proactive and expeditious manner. This legislation moves to protect a vital component of our everyday life, and I have enjoyed working with my colleagues, Bob Latta and Jerry McNerney, on improving the security of the nation’s electric infrastructure.”

The Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act facilitates communication between public and private entities in order to rapidly respond to the unique situations that may occur during a grid emergency. The bill also provides emergency authority to the Secretary of Energy to address grid security emergencies upon written directive or determination by the President.

 

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