Lights out: House plan would protect nation’s electricity from solar flare, nuclear bomb

Let’s hope that this bill gets further than previous ones. Here‘s what has happened in the past.

“Electromagnetic pulse, or EMP, has come into focus because of fears the sun is pushing out unusually big solar flares that can disrupt the electric grid. Defense officials are also worried about a terrorist attack, possibly in the form of a small nuclear bomb exploded overhead.

“It is critical that we protect our major transformers from cascading destruction. The Shield Act encourages industry to develop standards necessary to protect our electric infrastructure against both natural and man-made EMP events,” said Rep. Trent Franks, the Arizona Republican who is offering up the bipartisan bill.”

Solar Flare Poses Huge Threat

Imagine life in the United States without any electronic technology. Welcome to the aftermath of an EMP – whether the result of a solar flare or a weapon.

“The disruption would kill a lot of people — some quickly, as medical devices failed, others later as food supplies and clean water became scarce. Without electricity, pretty much everything in our civilization comes to a stop. The economic damage would be incalculable.”