On March 19, 2024 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan sent a letter to all U.S. Governors inviting state environmental, health and homeland security Secretaries to a convening by their deputies to discuss the urgent need to safeguard water sector critical infrastructure against cyber threats. The meeting will address what is being done to promote cybersecurity in the water industry, priorities for both levels of government and emphasize timely action.
This virtual meeting will take place on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 1:00pm – 2:30 pm EST. EPA will be sending meeting registration information to the states separately via email.
“Drinking water and wastewater systems are a lifeline for communities, but many systems have not adopted important cybersecurity practices to thwart potential cyberattacks,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA and NSC take these threats very seriously and will continue to partner with state environmental, health, and homeland security leaders to address the pervasive and challenging risk of cyberattacks on water systems.”
“We’ve worked across government to implement significant cybersecurity standards in our nation’s critical infrastructure, including in the water sector, as we remain vigilant to the risks and costs of cyber threats. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the EPA to bolster the cybersecurity of America’s water and wastewater systems,” said National Security Advisory Jake Sullivan.
“EPA will strive to collaborate with the Water Sector and Water Government Coordinating Councils in forming a Water Sector Cybersecurity Task Force to identify near-term actions and strategies to reduce the risk of water systems nationwide to cyberattacks,” the release further stated.
For information about EPA’s cybersecurity program or details about the upcoming meeting please visit EPA’s Cybersecurity for the Water Sector website.
Read the full release here.
