Energy Security and Infrastructure Act advances to full House

The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act out of committee by a vote of 32-20 on Wednesday. 

If signed into law, the bill will modernize the nation's energy infrastructure to better protect against threats such as cyber attacks, severe weather and electromagnetic pulses, as well as provide for reinvestment in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“Today’s vote that says  ‘yes to energy’ marks an important milestone as we work to update our laws for a new era of energy abundance,” Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) said. “We have prioritized creating jobs and improving our infrastructure to ensure affordable energy continues to flow to folks in Michigan and across the country.”

The bill is part of an ongoing Congressional effort to update the country’s energy laws. It will now be consider by the entire House of Representatives. 

“America has the resources to become an energy superpower,” Upton said. “All we need are the right 21st century laws to fulfill our promise. We will continue working toward building a bipartisan consensus as our goal remains getting something to the president’s desk that will be signed into law. We are on to the floor.”