U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans’ (R-CO) legislation aimed at bolstering protections for the nation’s energy infrastructure against cyberattacks was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 29.
The congressman cosponsored the Energy Threat Analysis Center Act of 2026, H.R. 7305, which passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate. The bill, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), would reauthorize the Department of Energy’s Energy Threat Analysis Center within the Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, extending its authorization through 2031.
“As an Army combat veteran and former cop, I know firsthand how critical information-sharing is to protecting our nation and the energy systems Americans rely on every day,” Rep. Evans said. He said the bill’s House passage is “a major step toward ensuring the Department of Energy can continue these vital public-private partnerships that help defend our critical infrastructure from cyber adversaries.”
The legislation would authorize $10 million annually for the Energy Threat Analysis Center, supporting partnerships between the Department of Energy, national laboratories, electric utilities, and other energy sector stakeholders. Those collaborations focus on conducting threat assessments and strengthening defenses against evolving cyber dangers.
The congressman highlighted Colorado’s role in the initiative, noting that the National Lab of the Rockies leads the effort.
“This investment will add new jobs, conduct cutting-edge research, and focus on real-world cybersecurity threat assessments to help keep America ahead of emerging threats while reinforcing Colorado’s role as a national leader in energy innovation and security,” Rep. Evans said.
The bill addresses concerns about foreign-backed cyberattacks targeting U.S. infrastructure, including threats from Chinese Communist Party-linked hacking groups.
The measure aims to improve information-sharing between government agencies, utilities, law enforcement, and private companies to identify and prevent cyber threats before they cause disruptions to the country’s critical energy infrastructure.