Energy cybersecurity university leadership program

(a)

Findings

Congress finds the following:(1)Addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in energy-related critical infrastructure after an intrusion occurs is inefficient, ineffective, and costly. (2)Integrating cybersecurity considerations into the research, design, and development of energy infrastructure represents a cost-effective approach to enhancing the security, resilience, and reliability of the electric grid, oil and natural gas pipelines, and other energy distribution, transmission, and generation systems. (3)Successfully employing the approach outlined in paragraph (2) as a guiding principle for the Department’s energy infrastructure activities will require a diverse, inclusive, and highly skilled workforce which possesses energy-specific cybersecurity expertise and familiarity with associated research, development, and demonstration needs.(4)A dedicated science scholarship program at the Department for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers studying energy-specific cybersecurity disciplines could help address the challenges stated in paragraphs (1) through (3). (b)

Program

(1)

Establishment

The Secretary of Energy shall establish an Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Program (referred to in this section as the Program) to carry out the activities described in paragraph (2).(2)

Program activities

The Secretary shall—(A)provide financial assistance, on a competitive basis, for scholarships, fellowships, and research and development projects at institutions of higher education to support graduate students and postdoctoral researchers pursuing a course of study that integrates cybersecurity competencies within disciplines associated with energy infrastructure needs; (B)provide graduate students and postdoctoral researchers supported under the Program with research traineeship experiences at National Laboratories and utilities; and(C)conduct outreach to historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal Colleges or Universities, and minority-serving institutions.(c)

Report

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate a report on the development and implementation of the Program.(d)

Definitions

In this section:(1)

Department

The term Department means the Department of Energy.(2)

Historically Black college and university

The term historically Black college and university has the meaning given the term part B institution in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1061).(3)

Institution of higher education

The term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)).(4)

Minority-serving institution

The term minority-serving institution means an eligible institution under section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)).(5)

National Laboratory

The term National Laboratory has the meaning given such term in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 15801).(6)

Tribal College or University

The term Tribal College or University has the meaning given such term in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).