Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act

The Pipeline Cybersecurity Preparedness Act (HR 7272) establishes a voluntary program under the Department of Energy to improve cybersecurity and physical security for natural gas pipelines, hazardous liquid pipelines, and liquefied natural gas facilities. It requires the Department to create coordination councils, lead incident response planning, develop voluntary cybersecurity tools and training, and run pilot projects with industry partners. The bill directly affects pipeline operators and energy sector stakeholders by providing technical resources to assess and enhance their security capabilities without mandating changes. Key mechanisms include developing workforce training curricula, offering evaluation tools, and facilitating collaboration between federal agencies, states, and the energy sector. The act explicitly states it does not alter existing authority of other federal agencies regarding pipeline security.