Energy Cyber Role Unfilled Over Power Struggle as Hacks Increase

August 4, 2021

The leader of the Energy Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response is the only Senate-confirmed cybersecurity position lacking a nominee, according to data from the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service, which tracks political appointees. The position is being filled by an acting assistant secretary despite an increase in cyber breaches and ransomware attacks, including on the Colonial Pipeline Co., which resulted in nearly half of the East coast’s fuel supply shutting down in May.