(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin today testified before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Air Quality about the cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the nation’s electric grid. The hearing was called to discuss draft legislation on how to best secure the grid from unintentional and intentional disruptions.

“In the interest of national security, a statutory mechanism is necessary to protect the grid against cyber security threats,” said Langevin, Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. “I believe America is disturbingly vulnerable to a cyber attack against the electric grid that could cause significant consequences to our nation’s critical infrastructure.  Virtually every expert that I’ve discussed these matters with – across government and throughout the private sector – shares this assessment.”

During the 110th Congress Langevin’s subcommittee has held eight hearings and conducted dozens of investigations on cybersecurity issues.

As legislation takes shape, Langevin believes it should include:
• Emergency standards that are enforceable upon a finding by an intelligence or national security agency
• A definition of “cybersecurity threats” that encpompasses either the “likelihood of a malicious act” or “substantial possibility of disruption”
• Protections for Alaska, Hawaii, territories and distribution facilities that are not part of the bulk power system

“The Homeland Security Committee will continue to remain diligent in investigating cybersecurity issues across the Federal government and throughout the national critical infrastructure,” continued Langevin. “I look forward to working with the Committee on Energy and Commerce on these and other national security issues in the future.”

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