Texas Senate Bill SB24

Texas 2017 - 85th 1st C.S.

Caption

Relating to protection of energy critical infrastructure.

Impact

The legislation impacts state laws by requiring transmission and distribution utilities, power generation facility owners, electric cooperatives, and municipal utilities operating within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to assess and report their vulnerability to specified threats. This move is aimed at reinforcing the state's defense against potential disruptions to energy supplies due to both natural and man-made events. Additionally, the confidentiality of information related to grid security is stressed, creating a more secure environment for discussing and addressing vulnerabilities.

Summary

Senate Bill 24 focuses on the protection of energy critical infrastructure in Texas, specifically addressing vulnerabilities to electromagnetic, geomagnetic, physical, and cyber-attacks. The bill establishes the Electromagnetic Threat Preparedness Task Force, which will collaborate with federal agencies and assess the threat landscape to the state's energy infrastructure. The task force is responsible for implementing an education program for operators of critical energy facilities and developing comprehensive threat protection and recovery plans for these infrastructures.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding SB24 include concerns about the balance between confidentiality and transparency. While proponents argue that protecting sensitive information regarding grid security is essential for public safety and national security, opponents may question the lack of public oversight and the potential secrecy surrounding critical infrastructure vulnerabilities. The bill's implementation may lead to debates about the allocation of resources for enhancing energy security measures, especially in light of regulatory costs that could be passed on to consumers.