Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act

Bill Number

H.R. 7272

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Energy

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Last Updated

2026-06-02T17:41:21Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (H.R. 7272) aims to strengthen the physical security and cybersecurity of key energy infrastructure, specifically natural gas pipelines (including transmission and distribution lines), hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities. It directs the Secretary of Energy to establish a coordinated program to enhance protection, response, and recovery from threats, while promoting voluntary improvements in the energy sector.

Key Provisions

• Coordination Policies: The Department of Energy (DOE) must develop policies and procedures to improve collaboration among federal agencies, states, the energy sector, and other stakeholders. This includes using councils or similar groups for sharing information and analysis to ensure the security, resilience (ability to withstand disruptions), and survivability of pipelines and LNG facilities.
• Incident Response Leadership: DOE will lead joint efforts by federal agencies, states, and the energy sector to respond to and recover from physical attacks (e.g., sabotage) or cyber incidents (e.g., hacking) affecting the energy sector.
• Development of Technologies: DOE will create advanced cybersecurity tools and applications for voluntary adoption by pipelines and LNG facilities.
• Pilot Projects: DOE will conduct demonstration projects on physical security and cybersecurity, partnering with energy sector representatives.
• Workforce Training: DOE will develop educational programs (curricula) to build skills in physical security and cybersecurity for the energy sector workforce focused on these infrastructures.
• Technical Assistance Tools: DOE will provide resources to help the energy sector voluntarily assess, prioritize, and enhance their security and cybersecurity measures.

The program operates under DOE's existing authority from the Department of Energy Organization Act, with consultations involving relevant federal agencies, energy sector representatives, states, and stakeholders.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new DOE-led program focused on coordination, technology development, pilots, training, and tools for pipeline and LNG security. It does not create new regulatory mandates but emphasizes voluntary participation. A savings clause explicitly states that the Act does not alter the existing powers of other federal agencies (e.g., those under the Department of Homeland Security or Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) regarding security for these infrastructures, preserving the current legal framework while adding DOE's supportive role.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Enhances inter-agency coordination and DOE's leadership in energy sector incidents, potentially streamlining federal responses without shifting core responsibilities. States may see improved partnerships for local infrastructure protection.
• Citizens: Could indirectly benefit the public by reducing risks of disruptions to energy supplies (e.g., fuel shortages from pipeline failures), promoting more reliable natural gas and liquid transport. No direct effects on individual rights or costs.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is domestic infrastructure; however, stronger cybersecurity could indirectly support U.S. energy export stability, including LNG facilities involved in global trade.
• Energy Sector: Encourages voluntary upgrades, potentially lowering vulnerability to threats without imposing costs, though participation in pilots or training may require industry investment.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Primary: Department of Energy (leads the program); energy sector operators (e.g., pipeline companies, LNG facility owners) who can voluntarily adopt tools and participate in projects.
• Secondary: Other federal agencies (e.g., those handling transportation or homeland security); state governments (for coordination and response); workforce in the energy industry (via training programs); and broader stakeholders like industry associations involved in information sharing.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: The voluntary nature of tools, technologies, and assessments avoids creating enforceable mandates, reducing potential for legal challenges. The savings clause protects against conflicts with existing laws, ensuring no overreach into other agencies' jurisdictions.
• Constitutional: No apparent issues, as the bill operates within Congress's commerce clause authority to regulate interstate energy infrastructure and does not infringe on state powers or individual liberties.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Republican from Texas and Democrat from Michigan) highlights cross-party interest in energy security. It promotes collaboration without controversy, focusing on preparedness amid rising cyber and physical threats to critical infrastructure, but its effectiveness depends on funding (not specified in the bill) and industry buy-in.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14]

Cosponsors (5)

Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Crenshaw, Dan [R-TX-2], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Goldman, Craig A. [R-TX-12], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]

Recent Actions

• 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

• Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (4 pages)