Miller-Meeks Reintroduces Legislation to Protect Energy Manufacturers
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks has reintroduced the Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act, legislation to protect American energy manufacturers from wildfire-related lawsuits that threaten the reliability of our power grid and the strength of our domestic supply chain. Representatives Thomas Tiffany (WI-07) and Robert Latta (OH-05) joined her in introducing the legislation.
“No manufacturer should be driven out of business for building the components that power our homes, hospitals, and national defense,” said Miller-Meeks. “This bill protects the men and women who make the grid work, from transformers to transmission lines, and ensures they’re not punished for natural disasters beyond their control. It strengthens domestic manufacturing, secures our energy future, and sends a clear message: America will not let baseless lawsuits cripple the industries that keep this country running.”
Background:
As wildfires grow more severe, energy infrastructure manufacturers, who build essential components like transformers, switchgear, and high-voltage lines, face mounting legal risk, even when they follow all safety protocols. Without protection, these companies could shut down or move production overseas, weakening America’s grid and driving up energy costs.
The Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act shields manufacturers from wildfire-related lawsuits unless there is clear evidence of willful misconduct. It applies to companies in the “critical manufacturing sector” as defined by federal cybersecurity law and references the definition of critical infrastructure established under the USA PATRIOT Act.
The legislation was first introduced in the 118th Congress as H.R. 9608.
Industry Support:
“The United States is making significant progress to reshore manufacturing of critical grid components that will ensure a safe, reliable, and resilient supply of electricity for our homes, businesses, and industries. However, frivolous lawsuits stemming from the increased threat of wildfires could disrupt this vital domestic supply chain," said Wes Smith, President and CEO of NAED. "The Limiting Liability for Critical Infrastructure Manufacturers Act will help sustain this momentum by providing U.S. manufacturers with greater certainty and protection from these claims.NAED is grateful for the leadership of Representatives Mariannette Miller‑Meeks, Thomas Tiffany, and Robert Latta in introducing this important legislation, and we are happy to support their efforts to secure our nation’s critical infrastructure”
"The increasing frequency and severity of wildfires not only impact our nation’s power grid—they also pose legal challenges for manufacturers of critical grid components," said Spencer Pederson, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, NEMA. "This legislation will provide much-needed liability protection from frivolous claims, greater risk management, and increased business certainty to American manufacturers that produce switchgears, transmission and distribution wires, transformers, and other critical grid infrastructure that is vital to providing on-demand energy to customers. NEMA thanks Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Thomas Tiffany (R-WI), and Robert Latta (R-OH) for their leadership and is proud to support this legislation at a time when the electrical industry most needs business certainty."
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