Oversight of federal cybersecurity activities and the implementation of a physical security program for chemical storage facilities are among the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s top priorities for the year, according to an oversight plan released by committee Republicans this month.
The plan broadly notes that the committee will focus on “cutting government spending through the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse” and ensuring that laws balance protecting the public interest with promoting economic growth. The document does not detail specific priorities for drinking water oversight or the Safe Drinking Water Act, but it does pledge to conduct “general oversight of the EPA,” as well as monitor the agency’s program management and implementation.
The plan goes on to explain that the committee will “exercise its jurisdiction over cybersecurity” and avoid “one-size-fits-all approaches that hinder the flexibility … to combat the rapidly evolving threats.” This is a veiled reference to the Obama Administration’s recent executive order that could lead to new regulatory standards for critical infrastructure operators.
The Energy and Commerce Committee also intends to continue its oversight of the Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facilities Anti-Terrorism (CFATS) program. The oversight plan does not, however, announce any intent to eliminate the exemption of water utilities from CFATS, or subject them to a similar regulatory framework.