Pipeline Cybersecurity

Federal Programs: Congressional Research Service

The vast US network of natural gas, crude oil, and refined product pipelines is integral to US energy supply and also has vital links to other critical infrastructure such as power plants and airports. This network is vulnerable to cyberattacks. Pipeline companies employ technologies which enable them to achieve business and operational efficiencies, but these technologies are susceptible to cybersecurity risks - and these risks have been growing. The May 2021 ransomware attack against the Colonial Pipeline, which disrupted gasoline supplies throughout the East Coast, highlighted this risk and increased concern in Congress about federal oversight of pipeline cybersecurity. Several bills in the 117th Congress would affect federal pipeline cybersecurity programs, including the Pipeline Security Act (H.R. 3243), the Pipeline and LNG Facility Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (H.R. 3078), and the Promoting Interagency Coordination for Review of Natural Gas Pipelines Act (H.R. 1616). In addition, the Colonial Pipeline incident has led to changes in the federal agency oversight of pipeline cybersecurity under existing statutory authorities.

©2021 Tom Brooks (P)2021 Tom Brooks