Rep. Lee’s Energy Emergency Leadership Act Advances Through Energy & Commerce Subcommittee

WASHINGTON, D.C.- Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee announced that her bipartisan legislation, the Energy Emergency Leadership Act, passed the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, marking an important step forward in strengthening the security and resilience of America's electric grid.

The legislation is co-led by Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH), with Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) serving as an original cosponsor. The Energy Emergency Leadership Actwas introduced on January 27, 2026, and previously passed the full Energy and Commerce Committee and the U.S. House unanimously in the last Congress.

The Energy Emergency Leadership Actelevates the Department of Energy's energy emergency and cybersecurity responsibilities by requiring those critical functions to be led by a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary. As threats to the electric grid continue to evolve-from cyberattacks and physical sabotage to natural disasters-the legislation ensures the Department of Energy is better positioned to respond, coordinate, and remain accountable to Congress.

"America's electric grid is essential to our economy, our national security, and our daily lives," said Representative Laurel Lee. "As our energy infrastructure becomes more interconnected and digitized, the risks we face are growing. The Energy Emergency Leadership Act ensures the Department of Energy treats grid security as the top-tier priority it must be, with clear leadership, stronger coordination, and accountability to Congress."

"We need strong leadership to ensure a quick response when we face emergencies," said Congressman Greg Landsman. "This is a commonsense solution to better protect our energy systems and strengthen our response when it matters most."

"We have seen a growing surge in physical and cyber threats targeting our nation's critical energy infrastructure, and our response must keep pace with these evolving risks. I am pleased to work with Representatives Lee and Landsman on this bipartisan legislation to elevate energy emergency preparedness and cybersecurity as core responsibilities within the Department of Energy," said Congressman Tim Walberg. "By strengthening leadership, coordination, and planning, this legislation will improve the resiliency of our electrical grid and ensure the United States is better prepared to respond to emerging energy security threats."

"The Energy Emergency Leadership Act strengthens our nation's ability to prepare for and respond to energy emergencies by clearly aligning leadership, coordination, and responsibility," said the American Public Power Association."In an era of increasing threats to critical infrastructure, this legislation is a practical step toward protecting communities and ensuring reliable energy delivery."

"Electric cooperatives depend on strong federal partnerships to secure our grid, and the Energy Emergency Leadership Act reinforces the Department of Energy's longstanding commitment to energy security and cybersecurity by elevating these responsibilities to the Assistant Secretary level," said Louis Finkel, SVP of Government Relations at NRECA. "We thank Congresswoman Lee and Congressman Landsman for their leadership on this issue to protect America's critical infrastructure."

Since the Department of Energy was established in 1977, the energy security landscape has changed dramatically. Congress has expanded DOE's responsibilities over time, tasking the agency with protecting critical energy infrastructure under multiple federal statutes. During the first Trump Administration, DOE took a significant step forward by creating the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) to address emerging threats and energy emergencies.

The Energy Emergency Leadership Actbuilds on that foundation by formally assigning DOE's cybersecurity and energy emergency functions to a Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretary. In addition to leading DOE's internal efforts, the Assistant Secretary would provide technical assistance to state, local, and tribal governments to help prevent and respond to energy security threats-strengthening coordination across all levels of government and with federal partners.

"This bill reinforces DOE's role as the Sector Risk Management Agency for energy and ensures the security of our electric grid remains a core mission of the Department," Lee continued. "By clarifying leadership and oversight, we are better preparing our nation to confront both today's threats and those we know are coming."

The bill will now continue through the legislative process for further consideration by the full House Committee on Energy and Commerce.