McClellan Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Rural and Municipal Utilities

Washington, D.C. - In case you missed it: Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) introduced the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and strengthen a critical program that helps rural and municipal electric utilities defend against growing cybersecurity threats to the nation's energy grid.

As cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure become more sophisticated and frequent, the bill ensures that rural electric cooperatives and small utilities have access to advanced cybersecurity tools, technical assistance, and grant funding to protect, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber threats.

"As we work to adapt to a constantly changing technological landscape, cybersecurity threats continue to pose significant challenges," said Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04). "That's why I joined Rep. Miller-Meeks to introduce the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act, which invests in our energy sector's ability to protect against and respond to cybersecurity attacks that could undermine our energy grid. Deployment of advanced cybersecurity technologies may be the key to bolstering the security of the energy utility system we rely on to power American industry, especially in our rural communities."

"Cyberattacks on our energy infrastructure pose a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and the safety of our communities," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "Rural and municipal utilities often lack the resources needed to defend against increasingly complex cyber threats. This bipartisan legislation ensures they have the tools, training, and support necessary to protect the grid and keep the lights on for millions of Americans."

The bill reauthorizes the Rural and Municipal Utility Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance Program, originally created under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and authorizes $250 million over five years to support deployment of advanced cybersecurity technologies and participation in information-sharing programs.

Stakeholders across the energy sector applauded the legislation.

"America's electric cooperatives are making smart, responsible cybersecurity investments, but we need a strong government partnership to best defend the grid and ensure long-term resilience in the face of rapidly evolving cyber risks," said Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. "Continuing the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Program will help close the rural resource gap and secure our nation's critical infrastructure. We thank Congresswoman Miller-Meeks and Congresswoman McClellan for their leadership and commitment to strengthening energy security across rural America."

"The Rural and Municipal Advanced Cybersecurity Grant and Technical Assistance (RMUC) Program represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve the cybersecurity of under-resourced, not-for-profit utilities," said American Public Power Association (APPA) President & CEO Scott Corwin.

The Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act prioritizes assistance for utilities with limited cybersecurity resources and those operating assets critical to the bulk power system and national defense, while protecting sensitive information shared through the program.

To read the full bill text, click here.