Security News > 2021 > May > Lawmakers Reintroduce 'Pipeline Security Act' Following Colonial Hack
More than a dozen U.S. lawmakers led by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver have reintroduced the Pipeline Security Act, whose goal is to aid the DHS's efforts to protect pipeline infrastructure against cyberattacks, terrorist attacks and other threats.
The Pipeline Security Act was first introduced in 2019, but it did not receive a vote.
The bipartisan pipeline security legislation would ensure that the roles of the Transportation Security Administration, which has been the primary agency responsible for securing pipelines, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are clarified and they are fully empowered for securing pipelines and pipeline facilities.
The bill also directs the TSA to update security guidance, conduct risk assessments and inspect pipelines, and requires the agency to create a pipeline security personnel strategy.
A markup session on the Pipeline Security Act was held by the House Committee on Homeland Security on Tuesday.
"The recent ransomware attack against Colonial Pipeline Company further highlights the threats facing our nation's critical infrastructure and the potential cascading impacts cyber attacks can have on our economy. With the attacks of this nature on the rise, it's more important than ever to strengthen our cyber resilience," said John Katko, ranking member in the Committee on Homeland Security and one of the co-sponsors of the bill.