hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Updates state energy plans to secure local power grids.
Senators Cortez Masto (D-NV), Murkowski (R-AK), and Shaheen (D-NH).
Introduced in the Senate, assigned to committee.
This bill, introduced in the Senate for the future 119th Congress, would require states to update their energy security plans to specifically address physical and cybersecurity threats to local electricity distribution systems. It was introduced by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (Democrat, Nevada), Lisa Murkowski (Republican, Alaska), and Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat, New Hampshire) and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. This means it is in the early stages of the legislative process.
Introduced Mar 24, 2026
The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 24, 2026, during the 119th Congress. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for review and potential amendments. For it to become law, it would need to pass through this committee, be voted on and passed by the full Senate, then pass the House of Representatives, and finally be signed by the President.
State governments would be required to include specific strategies for supporting the physical security, cybersecurity, and resilience of local electricity distribution systems (those operating at 100 kilovolts or less) in their energy security plans. These plans must address threats like extreme weather, physical attacks, cyberattacks, and supply chain risks for electrical equipment, aiming to make your local power more reliable and quicker to recover from disruptions. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) would be required to issue a report by September 30, 2030, evaluating how effective these updated state plans have been in improving energy infrastructure security.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill is crucial for modernizing and securing local energy infrastructure against growing threats like cyberattacks and severe weather.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about the administrative burden on states or question the funding mechanisms for these expanded security requirements.
Proponents of the SECURE Grid Act would highlight its importance in ensuring a more robust and reliable power supply for communities. By mandating that states integrate local grid security into their energy planning, the bill aims to proactively protect against energy disruptions. Potential objections could center on the extent of federal oversight into state-level energy planning or the financial resources states would need to implement the new requirements, especially for smaller electric utilities.