TEXAS — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday issued his third executive order this week concerning the Chinese government.
According to a news release from his office, the latest order directs the Texas Division of Emergency Management and the Public Utility Commission of Texas to prepare for potential threats to the state’s critical infrastructure from the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
“China has made it clear that they can—and will—target and attack America’s critical infrastructure,” Abbott wrote in the release. “Just this past year, a hostile Chinese government actor targeted America’s communications, energy, transportation, water, and wastewater systems, threatening our national security.”
Abbott’s order directs the TDEM and PUC to:
- Establish a taskforce to survey potential vulnerabilities of state and local governments and other critical infrastructure. The taskforce will also provide recommendations to address any vulnerabilities.
- Simulate responses to cyberattacks on key industry sectors of the Texas economy and recommend policies and best practices to prevent attacks and mitigate their effects.
- Convene a committee of state agencies to simulate a restart of Texas’ electric grid in the event of a foreign attack.
The news release additionally says that Abbott directed the Electric Reliability Council of Texas to create a secure, dedicated communications channel for use during a critical grid incident.
Abbott earlier this week issued an executive order aimed at protecting Chinese dissidents living in Texas from the Chinese government and one hardening state government from infiltration from hostile governments.