Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10]
- Committees
- Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 9, 2026
Bottom line
The bill seeks to strategically strengthen Taiwan's energy independence and infrastructure against external threats by leveraging U.S. energy resources and expertise, with a focus on LNG and nuclear power.
What it actually does
This bill aims to bolster Taiwan's energy security and resilience against potential coercion or disruption, particularly from the People's Republic of China. It authorizes the prioritization of U.S. energy exports, especially liquefied natural gas (LNG), to Taiwan, and mandates an assessment by the National Academy of Sciences on redirecting LNG exports from China to Taiwan. The bill also establishes a framework for capacity building to enhance Taiwan's energy infrastructure resilience, including cybersecurity, and expresses a Sense of Congress supporting Taiwan's use of nuclear energy and new nuclear technologies. Additionally, it authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide insurance for vessels transporting vital goods to Taiwan or other strategic partners facing maritime threats.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that enhancing Taiwan's energy security is critical for U.S. strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, reducing Taiwan's vulnerability to coercion and strengthening deterrence against authoritarian regimes. They contend that promoting U.S. energy exports and technology partnerships with Taiwan aligns with U.S. energy diplomacy, creates jobs, and reinforces bilateral economic and security ties, contributing to regional stability.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that redirecting energy exports from China could escalate tensions with Beijing, potentially undermining broader diplomatic efforts. Concerns could also be raised about the practicalities and economic viability of significantly shifting LNG supply chains, as well as the potential for increased U.S. entanglement in cross-strait issues. Some may also question the environmental implications of promoting fossil fuel exports, even for strategic purposes.
The bill is relatively concise and its provisions are clearly laid out, making it accessible for an informed reader to understand its core objectives and mechanisms within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3, adding new Section 5540B to the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act
Prioritizing U.S. Energy Exports and Diversification for Taiwan
This provision authorizes the Secretaries of State, Commerce, and Energy to prioritize and facilitate U.S. energy exports, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG), to Taiwan. It also supports the development of energy projects that help Taiwan diversify its energy sources. Activities include engaging with U.S. energy producers, coordinating with Taiwanese stakeholders, providing diplomatic and technical support, and assessing Taiwan's import and storage capabilities.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision directly addresses Taiwan's energy vulnerability by ensuring access to reliable U.S. energy supplies, thereby strengthening its economic and national security against external pressure.
Critics contend
Critics might raise concerns about the economic feasibility and market distortions of prioritizing exports, or the potential for increased reliance on fossil fuels.
Tradeoffs
Balances strategic geopolitical interests with market-driven energy economics and environmental considerations.
Section 3, adding new Section 5540B(c) to the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act
Study on Redirecting U.S. LNG Exports from China to Taiwan
This provision mandates the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an assessment within one year of the bill's enactment. The assessment will explore opportunities to increase U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Taiwan, specifically considering the redirection of LNG exports currently destined for the People's Republic of China, and identifying methods to facilitate such a shift.
Section 3, adding new Section 5540C to the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act
Enhancing Taiwan's Energy Infrastructure Resilience
This provision authorizes the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretaries of Defense and Energy, to engage with Taiwan officials for capacity building to enhance energy infrastructure resilience. This includes activities such as improving cybersecurity for critical energy systems, supporting physical security and operational redundancy, conducting joint training exercises, and developing workforce skills for energy sector operators. It also allows for the establishment of a joint U.S.-Taiwan Energy Security Center.
Section 4, amending Section 5504(a)(3) of the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act
Expanding U.S. Training for Taiwan's Critical Energy Infrastructure
This section amends existing law (the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act) to explicitly include "critical energy infrastructure protection" as an area for U.S. training and assistance to Taiwan. This expands the scope of existing U.S. support to cover the security of Taiwan's energy systems.
Section 5
Congressional Support for Taiwan's Nuclear Energy Future
This section includes Congressional findings highlighting the benefits of nuclear energy (safety, cleanliness, baseload power, resilience) and Taiwan's historical nuclear capabilities. It expresses a Sense of Congress that it is in the mutual interest of the U.S. and Taiwan for Taiwan to maintain nuclear power as an energy source, including utilizing new technologies like Gen III+ and small modular reactors (SMRs). It also states that the U.S. should prioritize assistance and cooperation on nuclear energy with Taiwan.
Section 6, amending Section 53902 of title 46, United States Code
Maritime Insurance for Strategic Partners Facing Coercion
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to provide insurance and reinsurance for vessels transporting critical energy, humanitarian, or other vital goods to Taiwan or other strategic partners that are facing coercive maritime threats. This authority can be exercised if the Secretary, in consultation with Defense, State, and DNI, determines it's necessary to support vital strategic commerce or deter coercive behavior. It also waives a condition that typically requires the vessel to be unavailable in the U.S. market.
This provision waives the standard requirement that vessels must be unavailable in the U.S. market for the Secretary of Transportation to provide war risk insurance. This means that even if a U.S.-flagged vessel or a vessel otherwise available in the U.S. could perform the transport, the Secretary can still provide insurance for vessels carrying vital goods to strategic partners like Taiwan.
Section 6, amending 46 U.S.C. 53902(d)(2)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for technical amendments to existing code, but its effect is significant in expanding the Secretary's discretion.
Case for: Supporters argue this waiver is essential to ensure maximum flexibility and effectiveness in providing insurance, as waiting for a U.S. market unavailability determination could delay critical shipments or limit options during a crisis.
Case against: Critics might argue that waiving this condition could potentially disadvantage U.S.-flagged vessels or U.S. market capacity, or expand federal liability beyond what is strictly necessary.
Estimated impact: Potentially significant, as it broadens the scope of vessels eligible for U.S. government insurance, reducing a potential barrier to critical supply lines.