Trump Looks to Secure U.S. Power Grid From Foreign Attacks

  • Executive order tackles threat to U.S. bulk-power system
  • Order cites foreign adversaries without naming countries

A pylon stands over salt ponds in Newark, California.

Photographer: Sam Hall/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at securing the nation’s electricity system from foreign adversaries, a move that could restrict certain overseas companies from exporting products to the U.S.

The order, which doesn’t name any specific countries or companies, blocks U.S. purchases of certain power-system equipment from entities deemed a risk to national security. It empowers the secretary of energy to identify those parties and establish criteria for restricting transactions with them. The order also establishes a new task force on federal energy infrastructure procurement.