Upper East Texas News

Washington, D.C.-- Rep. Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Security Assessment Act today which would require the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct an annual assessment of both physical and cybersecurity threats to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). Rep. Fallon was joined by Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33) in introducing this bipartisan piece of legislation, the text of which can be found here. 

There is currently no existing framework for the DOE to provide security assessments for the SPR. This forward looking, bipartisan bill seeks to address this and promote inter-state and inter-agency cooperation to protect not only our SPR, but the adjacent production and logistical apparatus that is equally vulnerable. 

"The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a crucial energy infrastructure resource that is meant to relieve supply chain disturbances and to alleviate national emergencies," said Rep. Fallon. "The 2021 ransomware attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and the over 160 reported physical attacks on the American electrical grid in 2022 highlight the array of threats posed to the SPR. Whether physical or cyber, these dynamic threats need to be assessed on a regular basis. Through the SPR Security Assessment Act, Congress will ensure that the federal government better understands the threat environment and that we are prepared to counter threats to the SPR. I am proud to partner with my Texas colleague, Rep. Veasey, on this bill in an effort to strengthen American national security."

"We must take every step to safeguard our nation's vital resources like our Strategic Petroleum Reserve," said Rep. Veasey. "That is why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Strategic Petroleum Reserve Security Assessment Act that will give Congress the needed tools to help strengthen the security and resilience of our U.S. energy sector to fight against cyber and physical risks and disruptions."

Original source can be found here.