The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), a U.S. federal agency responsible for securing the transportation of energy and hazardous materials through pipelines, is implementing new initiatives to address the rising threat of cyberattacks on American pipelines. The move comes in the wake of the 2021 cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline, highlighting the need for improved collaboration between federal agencies and the private sector to enhance pipeline security. Tristan Brown, Deputy Administrator of PHMSA, emphasized the shared responsibility of industry and regulators in ensuring coordinated and effective efforts to improve pipeline transportation security. PHMSA is actively working with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Energy to address cybersecurity challenges and enhance preparedness.
Brown informed the House Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security that both industry and regulators are taking steps to tackle the increasing number of cyberattacks. PHMSA has initiated efforts to inspect and enforce pipeline control room regulations, integrity management requirements, and emergency response plan mandates. Additionally, the agency is collaborating with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and TSA on joint cybersecurity exercises for pipeline owners and operators. PHMSA aims to enhance cybersecurity training opportunities for its staff and partners, enabling them to identify risks during routine control room inspections and coordinate effectively with TSA when needed.
The agency’s 2024 budget request includes $123.7 million for pipeline safety operations, covering critical rule-making efforts and other safety-related work. Additionally, over $21 million is allocated for state pipeline safety grants, supporting regional initiatives to bolster pipeline security across the nation. With government watchdogs emphasizing the urgency of securing U.S. pipelines and critical infrastructure from cyber threats, PHMSA’s proactive measures aim to strengthen the nation’s resilience against potential cyberattacks on energy transportation systems.
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