Technical corrections only. The only change between v3 and v4 is the addition of the Clerk's name, "KEVIN F. MCCUMBER," in the attestation section. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill text.
Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Castor, Kathy [D-FL-14]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 13, 2026
Bottom line
This bill reauthorizes and enhances a key Department of Energy program aimed at improving cybersecurity and resilience within the U.S. energy sector through increased collaboration, threat analysis, and information sharing, while also streamlining operational capabilities and providing specific exemptions for sensitive information.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to reauthorize and significantly expand the Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Sector Operational Support for Cyberresilience Program. It broadens the program's mission to enhance collective defense and resilience, authorizes the establishment of an Energy Threat Analysis Center, and grants DOE new authorities for information sharing and contracting, including exemptions from public disclosure laws and the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this legislation is crucial for national security, as it strengthens the energy sector's defenses against evolving cyber threats by fostering better collaboration between government and industry. They contend that the establishment of a dedicated Energy Threat Analysis Center and streamlined operational authorities will enable more rapid and effective responses to cyberattacks, ensuring the stability and resilience of critical energy infrastructure.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the bill's broad exemptions from public disclosure laws (FOIA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), arguing that these provisions could reduce transparency and public oversight of government activities and information sharing with private entities. They may contend that such exemptions limit accountability for how the program operates and how sensitive information is handled.
The bill is short and relatively focused, allowing an informed reader to quickly grasp its core provisions and implications.
Section 2(1)(A) amending 42 U.S.C. 18724(c)(1)
Expanded Mission for Energy Sector Operational Support for Cyberresilience Program
This provision expands the core mission of the Department of Energy's program to explicitly include strengthening the collective defense, response, and resilience of the U.S. energy sector. It emphasizes enhancing collaboration between government and the energy sector to analyze threats, deny and disrupt operational impacts, and increase understanding of national security risks and threat actor tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this expansion is crucial for adapting to the evolving landscape of cyber threats, ensuring the stability of the national energy grid, and fostering a more unified, proactive defense strategy across the sector.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against strengthening cybersecurity programs, though concerns about the scope or implementation details might arise during appropriations or oversight.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the need for robust national security and critical infrastructure protection against potential increases in government oversight or resource allocation for expanded program activities.
Section 2(3) inserting new paragraph (2) in 42 U.S.C. 18724(c)
Authorization for Energy Threat Analysis Center
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Energy to carry out program activities through an 'Energy Threat Analysis Center,' which may be established at one or more physical locations. This center is intended to house, access, and perform advanced analytics and experimentation to enable intelligence-driven analysis, discovery, alerts, and collaboration activities related to energy sector threats.
Section 2(3) inserting new paragraphs (4) and (5) in 42 U.S.C. 18724(c)
Exemptions for Program Information and Advisory Committees
This provision exempts the program from the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), meaning its collaborative bodies are not subject to FACA's transparency requirements. It also explicitly exempts information shared by or with the Federal Government under the program from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and similar state/local laws, deeming such information voluntarily shared and mandating its withholding from the public.
Section 2(3) inserting new paragraph (6) in 42 U.S.C. 18724(c)
Enhanced Contracting and Partnership Authority
This provision grants the Secretary of Energy broad authority to enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, and 'other transactions' with public agencies, private organizations, and persons to carry out the program. It also allows for establishing pre-approved national security contracting mechanisms, model partnership agreements, and expedited review procedures to minimize delays in engaging partners.
Section 2(4) amending 42 U.S.C. 18724(c)(7)
Reauthorization of Program Funding
This provision reauthorizes the Department of Energy's Energy Sector Operational Support for Cyberresilience Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This extends the program's operational lifespan by five years beyond its previous authorization, ensuring its continued existence and eligibility for appropriations.