Examining the “bulk-power” national emergency declaration

By Easton Martin

President Trump has declared a national emergency over threats to the United States bulk-power system, taking action to protect the nation’s electric grid from potential interference by foreign actors. The move comes as America’s dependence on reliable electricity continues to grow alongside artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and expanding defense production.

On Wednesday, August 26, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the National Emergencies Act. The administration cited an unusual and extraordinary foreign threat involving power system equipment produced abroad that could create national security vulnerabilities.

The order targets certain foreign-produced equipment used within America’s bulk-power system, including critical software and digital capabilities that could create cybersecurity or operational risks. Depending on the circumstances, the equipment could be prohibited from being purchased or installed in the United States or could be subjected to conditions designed to reduce potential risks.

The administration is particularly concerned about equipment connected to foreign nationals that could create opportunities for sabotage, unauthorized access or disruption of critical infrastructure. The White House warned that a successful attack against the bulk-power system could have catastrophic consequences for national security, emergency services, critical infrastructure and the broader American economy.

The order does not cover facilities used for local distribution of electricity. Instead, it focuses on the larger infrastructure responsible for moving electricity across the country and supporting the systems that keep the American economy and national defense functioning.

The Secretary of Energy will be responsible for developing rules needed to implement the order and will work with other Cabinet officials to identify foreign-produced equipment that could pose security risks. The Secretary may also impose conditions on the continued operation of equipment already in use while considering reliability, safety, replacement availability and continuity of service.

From lindelltv.com