Who Cares About Electromagnetic Pulse-EMP? Congressman Trent Franks does.

As a former National Security Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer-EPLO-for Arizona in the 1990s I have been perplexed at the lack of concern about a potentially very dangerous phenomena–EMP or Electromagnetic Pulse. It would be relatively easy for a simple small nuclear device to be detonated over some part of the United States that would cause this phenomena and that could disable virtually all electronic equipment which contain microprocessors. In today’s world this means the vast majority of motors, engines, cars, buses, computers, and……electric utility transformers. Imagine instantly losing power and communication. Then imagine the related food shortages and panic that would ensue.
What are we doing about this threat? Virtually nothing. Senator Jon Kyl was one of the most prominent politicians to take a strong stand and now the leader of this effort is Congressman Trent Franks. Franks is the most prominent advocate in the United States, maybe in the world, for an aggressive approach to addressing this problem. He speaks at international conferences on the subject and has introduced a bill in congress called the SHEILD act. It has several provisions but, significantly, it would encourage electrical generating utilities to insulate their transformers against this threat.
Because some other countries are already taking steps to address this problem; and because the need for electricity and electronic equipment is more critical every day; and because Arizona has one of the most outspoken leaders in the world on this subject; Arizona should take the lead. We all should thank Congressman Franks for staying on top of this issue and we should ask our utility companies and their regulator, the Arizona Corporation Commission, to present a plan for minimizing this threat to Arizona citizens.