New National Security Memorandum aims to safeguard water infrastructure

(UI) — The White House has issued a fresh directive, the National Security Memorandum (NSM), aimed at fortifying and enhancing the resilience of crucial American infrastructure.

The NSM will replace a decade-old presidential policy document on critical infrastructure protection and launch a comprehensive effort to protect U.S. infrastructure against all threats and hazards, both present and future.

Janet McCabe, Deputy Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), emphasized the gravity of cybersecurity and climate change threats to the nation's water infrastructure. Recent cyber-attacks on water systems have underscored the urgent need for coordinated action to protect public health and the environment.

The Biden-Harris Administration is spearheading a comprehensive effort to safeguard critical infrastructure, McCabe stated, emphasizing the importance of actions outlined in the NSM to ensure the necessary steps are taken to protect public health and the economy.

The NSM aims to bolster U.S. critical infrastructure to foster a robust and innovative economy, safeguard American families, and enhance resilience to disasters proactively. It clarifies the roles and responsibilities of lead federal agencies in enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure sectors against all hazards, designating EPA as the official sector risk management agency for the water sector. The memorandum also establishes a coordinated national approach to assess and manage sector-specific risks.

With substantial resources allocated through the President’s Investing in America agenda, coupled with advancements in technology, the nation is presented with a historic opportunity to build for the future. Investing in resilience upfront is crucial, particularly for water infrastructure, amidst escalating risks from climate change and cybersecurity threats. The Biden-Harris Administration has committed nearly $50 billion to modernize the nation’s water infrastructure, including over $23 billion in drinking water and clean water State Revolving Funds, to bolster resilience against a spectrum of hazards.

In an era marked by strategic competition, state actors continue to target American critical infrastructure, while the impact of climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of natural hazards. The resilience of sensitive assets and systems is paramount for homeland defense and security, particularly in the face of potential crises or conflicts that adversaries may seek to exploit to undermine national security.

The NSM serves as a cornerstone in the nation's efforts to protect vital infrastructure and fortify its defenses against emerging threats, ensuring the security and well-being of all Americans now and in the future.

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