The Danger of EMP Requires Innovative and Strategic Action

• Published in: Policy File 2018
• Main Authors: Dodge, Michaela, Tubb, Katie, Spoehr, Thomas, Spencer, Jack, Inserra, David
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy; Government; National security; The Heritage Foundation

An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack poses a direct threat to the U.S. electric grid---a threat that is poorly understood and lacks the leadership to address it. An EMP---a high-intensity burst of energy caused by a rapid acceleration of charged particles from either solar weather or a nuclear bomb detonated high in the atmosphere---can cause devastating damage to the U.S. electric grid, and severely impede recovery. The U.S. currently has limited protection to address consequences of EMP-like events, which presents a considerable window of opportunity for less-powerful nations to harm this country. At the core of the discussion around EMPs is what is to be done to minimize the threat, and by whom. EMPs represent a high-risk, low-probability situation that, despite over a decade of discussion in Congress and study from the executive branch, fundamentally lacks leadership and understanding. Americans and their Representatives in Congress need to recognize the seriousness of the threat. So far, U.S. efforts to understand and address the threat have been hampered by the dispersion of information and responsibilities among different parts of the government and the private sector. While there is still considerable disagreement about the extent of an EMP threat and how to address its effects, the most immediate contribution Congress or the President could make is to clarify responsibilities. Without clear roles and defined leadership, everyone will continue to view an EMP as someone else's responsibility.