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Energy & Climate Counsel

Your one-stop resource for timely analysis of legal and policy developments affecting the energy and climate sectors. We focus on the issues that matter most to you, from federal and state policy and judicial decisions to business trends and financing news.

Rising Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Infrastructure: Federal Guidance and Next Steps for Operators
Blog August 17, 2026
Rising Cyberattacks on U.S. Water Infrastructure: Federal Guidance and Next Steps for Operators
Recent guidance issued by Federal agencies warns that malicious cyber actors are targeting internet-facing operational technology (“OT”) used by water and wastewater utilities, particularly PLCs…
U.S. Department of Energy Releases Cybersecurity Baselines for Utilities and DERs
Blog March 06, 2024
U.S. Department of Energy Releases Cybersecurity Baselines for Utilities and DERs
As part of the Biden Administration’s efforts to align energy cybersecurity efforts across the country, the U.S. Department of Energy has funded the release of a set of energy distribution cybersecurity baselines for entities participating in the nationwide grid transition…
The Government's Swift Response to Pipeline Cyberattack: Executive Order and TSA Security Directive
Blog June 07, 2021
The Government's Swift Response to Pipeline Cyberattack: Executive Order and TSA Security Directive
On May 10, 2021, the hacking group DarkSide succeeded in shutting down the Colonial Pipeline with a ransomware attack that highlighted the vulnerability of the U.S. energy sector to cyberattacks.  The attack led to a panic among many consumers in the Southeast, resulting in a fuel shortage throughout several states.  According to media reports, Colonial Pipeline paid $4.4 million in ransom to DarkSide to get its system back online…
Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack Highlights Vulnerability of Nation's Energy Sector
Blog May 13, 2021
Colonial Pipeline Cyberattack Highlights Vulnerability of Nation's Energy Sector
This post is a follow up from our recent discussion of the cyberattack that took the 5,500-mile Colonial Pipeline offline last week and the growing threat ransomware poses to our nation's energy system.  On May 10, 2021, a group called DarkSide took responsibility for the ransomware and the FBI has since confirmed the group's involvement.  DarkSide indicated that the attack was financially, not politically, motivated. DarkSide…
Cyberattack Shuts Down Cross-Country Gas Pipeline System
Blog May 10, 2021
Cyberattack Shuts Down Cross-Country Gas Pipeline System
It was not a matter of if, but when. On Friday, Colonial Pipeline Company, the largest U.S. fuel pipeline, closed its entire 5,500-mile pipeline system that carries liquid fuels, including gasoline, from the Gulf Coast of Texas to New York and surrounding communities. Colonial was forced to take these measures as result of a ransomware cyberattack. As of this Monday, Colonial's main systems remain offline, but the company working to develop a restart plan for its pipeline system…
Department of Homeland Security Releases Homeland Threat Assessment
Blog October 23, 2020
Department of Homeland Security Releases Homeland Threat Assessment
On October 6, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) released a 2020 Homeland Threat Assessment (“HTA”).  According to Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf, the “first of its kind report” identifies the primary threats facing the nation and analyzes the vast array of information coming from all DHS operational components that crosses his desk on a daily basis.  “When the American people read this HTA they will be more aware of the traditional threats facing the Homeland like terrorism…

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Foley Hoag’s Energy & Climate Counsel blog aims to be your one-stop resource for timely analysis of legal and policy developments affecting the energy and climate sectors. We focus on the issues that matter most to our readers, from federal and state policy and judicial decisions to business trends and financing news.

Our authors, comprised of attorneys from the firm’s Energy & Climate practice, have been active in the energy and climate space for decades, counseling clients across the spectrum – from new, innovative technology companies to large utility-scale power projects. Recognizing early on the common concerns of the renewable and traditional energy fields, we established one of the first integrated practices to serve all segments of the energy and clean technology sectors. We believe this tight integration provides us with the insight to analyze the pressing issues, trends and opportunities that those in this industry have come to expect.

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