119th (2025–2027)
S. 5313
The Quantum-GUARD Act requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to consider cybersecurity threats from quantum computers when reviewing reliability standards for the nation's electrical grid, and to evaluate whether post-quantum cryptography can protect against those risks. The bill also directs the Department of Energy to establish a "post-quantum cryptography sandbox" within one year of enactment, which will bring together electric grid operators, technology vendors, federal agencies, and utilities to develop and test new quantum-resistant security tools for power systems. The Department of Energy must also complete a study within one year examining how quantum computers could threaten the grid's critical computer systems and what obstacles exist to upgrading those systems with quantum-resistant technology, and publish a public report with findings and recommendations. Additionally, the Department must release a progress report within three years describing what the sandbox program has accomplished and offering recommendations to encourage grid operators to adopt quantum-resistant security measures. This legislation affects electric utilities, grid operators, technology companies, and federal energy regulators who work to protect the nation's power infrastructure.