The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Attacks on power grid spark bill to protect infrastructure
Recent attacks on the nation’s power grid have led to legislation in the Georgia House to increase penalties for intentionally damaging critical infrastructure.
House Bill 227 would make any such acts of sabotage — including those involving water and telecommunications equipment — a felony. Violators would face up to 20 years in prison and could be financially liable for damages.
Several states are considering similar legislation following a rise in threats to infrastructure, particularly electrical facilities. The U.S. Department of Energy saw a sharp increase in reports of vandalism and physical attacks targeting electrical infrastructure from 2021 to 2022.
This past week, federal authorities in Maryland said they arrested two people with extremist ties, including the founder of a neo-Nazi group, on charges of conspiring to attack Baltimore’s power grid. The two face allegations of planning to shoot five electrical substations.
State Rep. Rob Leverett, the sponsor of HB 227, pointed to gunfire directed at substations in Moore County, North Carolina, in December that left tens of thousands of people without power for several days.
“They were without power during one of the worst cold snaps we’ve had in a long time,” said Leverett, a Republican from Elberton. “Damaging this sort of property, I think, is different and has much broader impact than some other kinds of damage to property.”
Brian Harrell, a former assistant secretary for infrastructure protection at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, called power stations “an attractive target.”
“Domestic terror groups know that destroying this infrastructure can have a crippling effect on industry, citizens and local governments,” Harrell said. “It’s difficult to protect all energy assets.”
He said stronger penalties are needed.
“This is domestic terrorism, pure and simple,” Harrell said, “and needs to be treated as such.”