uncertainty in quantifying liabilities under environmental laws that impose joint and several liability on potentially responsible parties.
We may also incur liabilities as a result of potential future requirements to address climate change issues. Proposals for voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to reduce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, aby-product of burning fossil fuels. If increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions are implemented, the operations of our fossil-fueled generation assets may be significantly impacted. Since there can be no assurances that environmental costs may be recovered through the regulatory process, our financial performance may be negatively impacted as a result of environmental matters.
Future environmental regulation of natural gas extraction techniques, including hydraulic fracturing, being discussed both at the United States federal level and by some states may affect the profitability of natural gas extraction businesses, which could affect demand for and profitability of our gas transportation businesses.
Ournon-utility businesses may not perform to their expectations.We rely onnon-utility operations for an increasing portion of earnings. If our current and contemplatednon-utility investments do not perform at expected levels, we could experience diminished earnings and a corresponding decline in shareholder value.
We rely on cash flows from subsidiaries.We are a holding company. Cash flows from the utility andnon-utility subsidiaries are required to pay interest expenses and dividends on our debt and securities. Should a major subsidiary not be able to pay dividends or transfer cash flows to us, our ability to pay interest and dividends would be restricted.
Threats of cyber crime, physical security, and terrorism could affect our business.We may be threatened by issues such as cyber crime, physical security, or terrorism that may disrupt our operations, and could harm our operating results.
Cyber crime, which includes the use of malware, computer viruses, and other means for disruption or unauthorized access against companies, including us, has increased in frequency, scope, and potential impact in recent years. Our industry requires the continued operation of sophisticated information technology systems and network infrastructure. Despite implementation of security measures, our technology systems are vulnerable to disability or failures due to cyber crime, physical security threats, acts of war or terrorism, and other causes. If our information technology systems were to fail and they were unable to recover in a timely way, we may be unable to fulfill critical business functions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.
In addition, our generation plants and electrical distribution facilities, and our gas pipeline and storage facilities, in particular, may be targets of physical security threats or terrorist activities that could disrupt our ability to produce or distribute some portion of their products. We have increased security as a result of past events and may be required by regulators or by the future threat environment to make investments in security that we cannot currently predict.
Failure to maintain the security of personally identifiable information could adversely affect us.In connection with our business, we collect and retain personally identifiable information of our customers, shareholders, and employees. Customers, shareholders, and employees expect that we will adequately protect their personal information. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding. A significant theft, loss, or fraudulent use of customer, shareholder, employee, or our data by cybercrime or otherwise, could adversely impact our reputation, and could result in significant costs, fines, and litigation.
Operation of a nuclear facility subjects us to risk.Ownership of an operating nuclear generating plant subjects us to significant additional risks. These risks include, among others, plant security, environmental
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