Colonial Pipeline Cyber Incident

On May 7, 2021, the Colonial Pipeline Company proactively shut down its pipeline system in response to a ransomware attack. On May 13, 2021, Colonial Pipeline announced the company restarted their entire pipeline system and product delivery commenced to all markets.

During the Colonial Pipeline incident, the Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Response Organization was activated to coordinate with industry, interagency, and state partners, providing situational awareness, analysis of impacts, and supporting response efforts. DOE coordinated a whole-of-government response to help support Colonial resume operations quickly and safely, while moving fuel supplies to impacted areas to mitigate impacts to consumers.

Resources

Watch a video messagefrom Department of Energy Secretary, Jennifer Granholm.
Watch a video messagefrom Department of Energy Deputy Secretary, David Turk.
Read the White House fact sheet on Biden-Harris Administration’s all-of-government effort to address Colonial Pipeline incident.
Read remarks by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas at the May 11, 2021 White House press briefing.

Access DOE’s guidance and resources for States here.

Federal Agency Actions

Federal Bureau of Investigation

FBI Statement on Compromise of Colonial Pipeline Networks

On May 10, 2021, the FBI confirmed that the Darkside ransomware is responsible for the compromise of the Colonial Pipeline networks.

FBI Statement on Network Disruption at Colonial Pipeline

On May 9, 2021, the FBI was notified of a network disruption at Colonial Pipeline on May 7, 2021.

Joint CISA-FBI Cybersecurity Advisory on DarkSide Ransomware

On May 11, 2021, CISA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have released a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory on a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) variant—referred to as DarkSide—recently used in a ransomware attack against a critical infrastructure company.

Department of Transportation

US DOT Announces Additional Measures to Help States in Areas Affected by the Colonial Pipeline Incident

On May 11, 2021, DOT announced additional help for states in areas affected by the cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline. The White House and DOT determined that previous declarations of “major disaster” issued by the President within the past 120 days allow States covered by those declarations to use Interstate highways in their State to transport overweight loads of gasoline and other fuels.

US DOT Ongoing Efforts to Help Mitigate Potential Impacts of the Colonial Pipeline Disruption

On May 11, 2021, DOT outlined ongoing efforts to help mitigate potential impacts of the Colonial Pipeline disruption.

U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Additional Measures Taken to Help States Affected by Pipeline

On May 12, 2021, DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announces additional measures to help states in areas affected by the Colonial Pipeline incident.

Colonial Pipeline Emergency Questions and Answers - FMCSA/FHW

On May 12, 2021, DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Federal Highway Administration issued question and answers on the Colonial Pipeline emergency.

West Virginia Added to Regional Pipeline Declaration

On May 11, 2021, DOT detailed ongoing efforts to help mitigate potential impacts of the Colonial Pipeline disruption, including efforts by the Maritime Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Federal Highways Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and announced the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration added West Virginia to the list of states covered in the temporary hours of service exemption.

FMCSA Responds to Unanticipated Shutdown of Colonial Pipeline

On May 9, 2021, DOT's Federal Motor Carrier Administration issued temporary hours of service exemption in response to the unanticipated shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline.

Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration

PHMSA Stay of Enforcement - Colonial Pipeline Operator Qualification and Employment Testing Requirements

On May 10, 2021, PHMSA issued an Emergency Enforcement Stay of Operator Qualification and Employment Testing Requirements for Colonial Pipeline.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

FERC Call for Examination of Mandatory Pipeline Cyber Standards in Wake of Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Incident

On May 10, 2021, FERC Chairman Glick issued a statement on mandatory pipeline cyber standards in the wake of Colonial Pipeline Ransomware incident.

Environmental Protection Agency

Second Fuel Waiver Concerning the Colonial Pipeline Shutdown

On May 11, 2021, EPA issued a second emergency fuel waiver that waives the requirements for low volatility conventional gasoline and Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) for the District of Columbia and areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia, and also includes Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Specific Counties of Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Fuel Waiver Concerning the Colonial Pipeline Shutdown

On May 11, 2021, EPA issued an emergency waiver of the low volatility Reformulated Gasoline requirements in RFG Covered Areas in District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Department of Homeland Security

DHS Approves Jones Act Waiver in Response to Eastern Seaboard Oil Supply Constraints

On May 12, 2021, the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced Department of Homeland Security’s approval of a temporary and targeted Jones Act Waiver in response to eastern seaboard oil supply constraints.

Joint CISA-FBI Cybersecurity Advisory on DarkSide Ransomware

On May 11, 2021, CISA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have released a Joint Cybersecurity Advisory on a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) variant—referred to as DarkSide—recently used in a ransomware attack against a critical infrastructure company.

Approval of an Additional Jones Act Waiver in Response to Eastern Seaboard Oil Supply Constraints

On May 13, 2021, Secretary Mayorkas approved a temporary and targeted Jones Act waiver request for a second company.

Colonial Pipeline Status Updates