Ripon Advance: Harrigan leads legislation to advance Taiwan’s energy security

Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408

WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC) on March 9 sponsored a bipartisan bill to promote energy security in Taiwan by ensuring the country isn’t left vulnerable to supply shocks or coercion by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or external geopolitical turmoil.

“Energy is leverage,” Rep. Harrigan said earlier this week. “Beijing knows exactly where Taiwan is weakest — and global events today, from strikes in the Middle East to threats at chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, underscore that energy vulnerability is national security vulnerability.”

The Taiwan Energy Security and Anti-Embargo Act of 2026, H.R. 7873, which has two original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-MD), would prioritize U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Taiwan and incentivize projects that diversify and secure supply sources — what Rep. Harrigan calls a stepping stone to reducing energy leverage by hostile powers.

If enacted, H.R. 7873 also would encourage bilateral efforts on advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors, to provide reliable baseload power less susceptible to external disruption, and enhance cooperation on protecting Taiwan’s critical energy grids and storage systems from cyber, physical, and asymmetric threats.

Additionally, H.R. 7873 would expand U.S. Maritime Administration powers to ensure vessels transport critical energy and vital goods to Taiwan when commercial markets withdraw due to foreign military threats.

The bill also would mandate an independent analysis of how to redirect U.S. energy exports toward Taiwan and strengthen long-term energy partnerships, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s staff.

“This bill pushes U.S. LNG to Taiwan, backs next-generation nuclear cooperation, and guarantees strategic shipping won’t be held hostage by hostile insurers or hostile powers,” said Rep. Harrigan. “If deterrence is to mean anything, it must start with hardening the points our adversaries count on.”

H.R. 7873 has been referred for consideration to both the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee and the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.