Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure like the electrical grid are increasing as advanced technology becomes more integrated into how energy systems operate. This issue brief provides an overview of critical infrastructure, discusses a 2019 cyber attack on the U.S. electrical grid, and summarizes state and federal legislation addressing security for critical infrastructure.

The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) authorizes $1.2 trillion to be spent over five years for transportation, water, energy, resiliency, and broadband. Of this amount, $550 billion is new spending and $650 billion is reauthorized spending from the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and other previous authorizations. The majority of state funding in the IIJA is allocated through formulas, but the act also authorizes...

Traffic congestion has a negative impact on the economy and the environment. Vehicles are the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and one of the two main contributors to ozone pollution, and growth in vehicles miles traveled (VMT) leads to increased emissions. The rise in VMT contributes to the worsening air quality problem. Therefore, the State of Colorado must develop methods to manage and reduce overall transportation demand on the...