Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act to Counter Growing Energy Vulnerabilities

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10) introduced the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026, bold legislation to harden a critical weak point in the Indo-Pacific balance of power: Taiwan's energy dependence. As global energy markets reel from heightened conflict in the Middle East and new disruptions to maritime routes, and as Taipei itself monitors impacts on its economy and energy supply chains, this bill ensures Taiwan isn't left vulnerable to supply shocks or coercion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or external geopolitical turmoil.

"Energy is leverage," said Congressman Harrigan. "Beijing knows exactly where Taiwan is weakest-and global events today, from strikes in the Middle East to threats at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, underscore that energy vulnerability is national security vulnerability. This bill pushes U.S. LNG to Taiwan, backs next-generation nuclear cooperation, and guarantees strategic shipping won't be held hostage by hostile insurers or hostile powers. If deterrence is to mean anything, it must start with hardening the points our adversaries count on."

Key Elements of the Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026:

• Taiwan's acute energy vulnerability: Taipei imports nearly all its energy, leaving it exposed to maritime disruption, gray-zone coercion by the CCP, and global supply shocks. U.S. policy experts highlight energy dependency as one of Taiwan's most serious strategic weaknesses.
• U.S. LNG and export leadership: The bill prioritizes U.S. liquefied natural gas exports to Taiwan and incentivizes projects that diversify and secure supply sources-a stepping stone to reducing energy leverage by hostile powers.
• Next-generation nuclear cooperation: Encourages bilateral efforts on advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, to provide reliable baseload power less susceptible to external disruption.
• Energy infrastructure resilience: Enhances cooperation on protecting Taiwan's critical energy grids and storage systems from cyber, physical, and asymmetric threats.
• Maritime insurance authority: Expands U.S. Maritime Administration powers to insure vessels transporting critical energy and vital goods to Taiwan when commercial markets withdraw due to foreign military threats.
• Strategic assessment: Mandates an independent analysis of how to redirect U.S. energy exports toward Taiwan and strengthen long-term energy partnerships.

Congressman Harrigan introduced this legislation as part of his broader effort to strengthen deterrence, support democratic partners in the Indo-Pacific, and align America's energy dominance with national security imperatives. The Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026 ensures that in a world defined by great-power competition and evolving geopolitical risk, Taiwan's lights stay on and its economy stays resilient.