SECURE Grid Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7257
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Energy
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-29: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T08:06:02Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Energy Policy and Conservation Act to require States to address the physical security, cybersecurity, and resilience of local distribution systems within their State energy security plans. It aims to strengthen protections for smaller-scale electricity infrastructure against threats while extending the existing planning framework through 2031.
Key Provisions
- Adds a definition for "local distribution system" as energy infrastructure owned and operated by an electric utility at 100 kilovolts or less.
- Expands State energy security plans to cover physical threats (such as weather, attacks on distribution systems, and supply chain risks) and cybersecurity threats to local distribution systems that could affect the larger power grid.
- Requires plans to include risk mitigation approaches for reliability and resilience, including response and recovery methods.
- Mandates consultation with suppliers of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution equipment.
- Changes the Secretary of Energy's role from optional to required assistance for States in developing plans.
- Requires a GAO report by September 30, 2030, evaluating plan effectiveness, federal funding use, and recommendations for improvements.
- Includes a sunset clause ending the section on September 30, 2031.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Updates Section 366 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act by adding new requirements for local distribution systems, previously not explicitly covered.
- Revises hazard identification paragraphs to specifically include attacks and supply chain issues for distribution equipment.
- Alters eligibility rules so that State submissions do not require Secretary approval.
- Shifts language from "may" to "shall" regarding assistance, making support mandatory.
- Extends protections for sensitive information to include local distribution systems and adds a GAO evaluation requirement.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Increases coordination between the Department of Energy and States; requires GAO to assess plan outcomes and funding use.
- On citizens: May lead to improved reliability of local electricity services through better planning for disruptions.
- On international relations: No direct provisions affect foreign policy or relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State governments responsible for developing and submitting energy security plans.
- Electric utilities and equipment suppliers involved in generation, transmission, and distribution.
- The Department of Energy, which provides assistance and reviews plans.
- The Government Accountability Office, tasked with reporting on implementation.
- Local communities reliant on distribution systems for electricity.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- The bill maintains existing confidentiality protections for sensitive infrastructure information while expanding their scope.
- It introduces a time-limited framework with an explicit expiration date, requiring future legislative action for continuation.
- No changes to constitutional authorities or federal-state power balances are specified beyond the required planning updates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Latta, Robert E. [R-OH-5]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Balderson, Troy [R-OH-12], Rep. James, John [R-MI-10], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-29: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-06-29: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4296)
- 2026-06-29: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4296)
- 2026-06-29: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7257.
- 2026-06-29: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4296-4297)
- 2026-06-29: Mr. Guthrie moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-05-11: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 561.
- 2026-05-11: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-644.
- 2026-05-11: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-644.
- 2026-02-04: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-02-04: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy.
- 2026-01-27: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
- 2026-01-27: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act — issued 2026-06-29 — PDF (8 pages)
- Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (4 pages)
- Securing Community Upgrades for a Resilient Grid Act — issued 2026-05-11 — PDF (10 pages)