Us Congress Senate Bill SB1050

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23

Caption

Protect American Power Infrastructure Act

Impact

If enacted, SB1050 will aim to establish stringent criteria for identifying covered equipment used in various critical energy facilities, such as substations and power plants. By doing so, it seeks to create a framework that allows the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with other federal agencies, to monitor and potentially isolate or replace any components identified as risky due to their foreign ownership or control. Such actions would help mitigate risks that could lead to catastrophic failures in essential energy infrastructure, thereby maintaining national energy security.

Summary

SB1050, titled the Protect American Power Infrastructure Act, is a legislative proposal introduced to secure the bulk-power system within the United States. The bill emphasizes the need to protect critical electric infrastructure from potential national security threats posed by foreign adversaries. The measure aims to restrict transactions involving certain covered equipment related to defense-critical electric infrastructure if that equipment is associated with foreign adversaries, thereby enhancing the resilience and security of America's energy systems.

Contention

Legislative discussions surrounding SB1050 may harbor points of contention particularly regarding the scope and definition of 'foreign adversaries' and what constitutes 'covered equipment.' Opponents may argue that overly broad definitions could hinder international trade and procurement of necessary equipment that is not genuinely threatening. Additionally, there could be debates about the balance between enhancing security while not imposing excessive regulations that could lead to delays or increased costs in maintaining or upgrading the nation’s power infrastructure.