119-HR-7257 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary: SECURE Grid Act (H.R. 7257)

Headline Summary: The SECURE Grid Act would make states spell out how they protect local power lines and substations from cyberattacks, physical attacks, and supply‑chain risks in their energy security plans—and extends this planning program to 2030. (congress.gov)

What It Does: The bill amends current law on state energy security plans so those plans must explicitly cover “local distribution systems” (utility equipment at 100 kilovolts or less) and address weather‑related hazards, physical attacks, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and supply‑chain risks. It also clarifies coordination with equipment suppliers, updates information‑sharing protections to include local distribution systems, and extends the program’s sunset from 2025 to 2030. (congress.gov)

Why It Matters: Recent years saw a rise in reported physical incidents against the grid, and high‑profile substation attacks have left tens of thousands without power—underscoring why distribution‑level security planning matters for communities. (ferc.gov)

Who’s For It:

• Sponsor: Rep. Robert Latta (R‑OH). He has led recent Energy & Commerce hearings on protecting the grid from cyber and physical threats. (congress.gov)
• Original cosponsor: Rep. Doris Matsui (D‑CA). (congress.gov)
• House Energy & Commerce leaders flagged this bill as part of a broader security package considered in January 2026. (energycommerce.house.gov)

Who’s Against It:

• As of January 29, 2026, no organized opposition is publicly noted in official summaries or committee notices; positions from utilities, state energy offices, or consumer groups may emerge as the bill moves. (congress.gov)
• Potential concerns seen in similar debates: whether requirements create unfunded work for states or smaller utilities, how broad to draw security rules beyond the bulk‑power system, and how to balance sensitive‑information protections with transparency. (utilitydive.com)

What’s Next: The bill was introduced on January 27, 2026 and referred to the House Energy & Commerce Committee; next steps could include a subcommittee hearing and markup before any House floor vote. No further action is recorded yet. (congress.gov)