A House panel has approved a string of bills aimed at securing U.S. energy infrastructure from cyber threats following revelations of Russian cyberattacks targeting grid operators.

The four bipartisan legislative proposals aim to elevate the Department of Energy’s efforts on cyber response and engagement and to create new programs to address grid and pipeline security.

Lawmakers on a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee approved the bills Wednesday, weeks after U.S. officials disclosed that Russian hackers staged a multiyear hacking campaign against the energy grid and other critical sectors. The revelation has stirred fears about the prospect of future grid attacks.

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“Potential for cyberattacks by foreign nations and other actors against our nation’s business and energy systems highlights one of the significant and growing threats to the reliable supply of energy in the United States,” Rep. Greg Walden Gregory (Greg) Paul WaldenTrump order on drug prices faces long road to finish line Ignore the misinformation: The FDA will ensure the safety of any COVID-19 vaccine Hillicon Valley: Trump backs potential Microsoft, TikTok deal, sets September deadline | House Republicans request classified TikTok briefing | Facebook labels manipulated Pelosi video MORE (R-Ore.), who is chairman of the full committee, said Wednesday.

Lawmakers on the Energy Subcommittee easily approved the four bills that aim to bolster the Energy Department’s cybersecurity efforts, including one that would require Energy Secretary Rick Perry Rick PerryEnergy secretary questions consensus that humans cause climate change OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Trump signs major conservation bill into law | Senate votes to confirm Energy's No. 2 official | Trump Jr. expresses opposition to Pebble Mine project MORE to establish a program to boost physical security and cybersecurity of energy pipelines and liquefied natural gas facilities.

The other bills would elevate the leadership of the department’s emergency response and cybersecurity efforts to the assistant secretary level; establish a voluntary program to help private utilities identify and use products that are built with strong cybersecurity; and enhance public-private partnerships to ensure that electric utilities are secure.

Walden said the bills “take practical steps to ensure that the Department of Energy can effectively carry out its emergency and security activities in the energy sector and ensure the continued safe and reliable flow of energy across the United States.”

The bills now advance to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for a vote before the full House can consider them.

Perry and other top Energy officials have acknowledged the breadth of cyber threats facing the energy sector. They have also insisted that the department is making cybersecurity a priority, including the establishment of a new office to address the physical security and cybersecurity of U.S. energy assets.

Still, lawmakers signaled Wednesday that the department and Congress need to do more to guard the power grid from hackers looking to stage destructive attacks.

“We have recently seen how vulnerable our society and internet are to foreign interference,” Rep. Jerry McNerney Gerlad (Jerry) Mark McNerneyHillicon Valley: FBI chief says Russia is trying to interfere in election to undermine Biden | Treasury Dept. sanctions Iranian government-backed hackers Lawmakers call for expanded AI role in education, business to remain competitive The Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Pence lauds Harris as 'experienced debater'; Trump, Biden diverge over debate prep MORE (D-Calif.), who is sponsoring two of the bills approved Wednesday, warned.

“If an outside entity were to attack our electric grid, we could go dark without electricity for months.”