The Electromagnetic Threat to the US: Resilience Strategy Recommendations

This article analyzes the threat of both electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and geomagnetic disturbances (GMD) to various federal agencies and the civilian population of the United States. EMP/GMD events are classified as low‐probability/high‐impact events that have potential for catastrophic consequences to all levels of government as well as the country's civilian population. By reviewing current literature and conducting two thought experiments, we determined that specific critical infrastructure sectors and modern society are at substantial risk from the effects of these events. Some of the most serious consequences of a large‐scale EMP/GMD include long‐term power loss to large geographic regions, loss of modern medical services, and severe communication blackouts that could make recovery from these events extremely difficult. In an attempt to counteract and mitigate the risks of EMP/GMD events, resilience engineering concepts prescribe several recommendations that could be utilized by policymakers to mitigate the effects of EMP or GMD. Some of the recommendations include utilizing hardened micro‐grid systems, fast tracking available black start options, and various changes to government agency organizations that would provide additional resilience and recovery to American critical infrastructure systems in the post‐EMP/GMD environment.