Thompson and Lieberman Introduce the “Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
(WASHINGTON) – On Thursday, April 30, 2009, Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security and Chairman Joseph Lieberman (I-CT), U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, will hold a press conference on the introduction of the “Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act” (HR 2195).
Chairman Thompson issued the following statement regarding the legislation:
“Any failure of our electric grid, whether intentional or unintentional would have a significant and potentially devastating impact on our nation. We must ensure that the proper protections, resources and regulatory authorities are in place to address any threat aimed at our power system. This legislation addresses these critical issues by providing a common sense approach to ensure continued security of the nation's electric infrastructure,” Thompson concluded.
The Critical Electric Infrastructure Protection Act:
Provides authority to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to issue emergency rules or orders if a cyber threat is imminent. These rules or orders may be issued after a finding by the Secretary of Homeland Security (in consultation with other national security agencies) that a national security threat exists.
Requires FERC to assess and establish interim standards deemed necessary to protect against known cyber threats to critical electric infrastructure.
Requires DHS to conduct an investigation to determine if the security of Federally-owned critical electric infrastructure has been compromised by outsiders.
WHO:
Chairman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) and
Chairman Joseph Lieberman (I-CT)
WHAT:
Press Conference
WHEN:
Thursday, April 30, 2009 @ 12:30pm
WHERE:
Senate Radio/TV Gallery – Room S-325
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
