Senate Hearing on Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Threats to the Power Grid
January 1, 2018
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The Frame
This hearing evaluates the vulnerability of the national power grid to EMP events, which could inform future federal mandates or funding for and emergency restoration protocols.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
Energy Infrastructure Operators
These entities may be subject to new federal requirements for hardening infrastructure against EMP threats.
Department of Defense
The agency is responsible for coordinating with national labs to understand and mitigate EMP risks to military and civilian systems.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2018.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on May 4, 2017, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
- The committee focused on the threat of electromagnetic pulse (EMP) to civilian and military energy infrastructure.
- The U.S. has studied EMP threats since the 1950s and 60s following nuclear weapons testing.
- The hearing included testimony from representatives of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Electric Power Research Institute, and the American Public Power Association.
- The discussion covered both mitigation strategies to prevent damage and restoration capabilities to recover from an EMP event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electromagnetic pulse (EMP)?
Why is the Senate concerned about EMPs now?
Why It Matters
This hearing evaluates the vulnerability of the national power grid to EMP events, which could inform future federal mandates or funding for and emergency restoration protocols.
News Coverage
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Renewed Focus on EMP
The hearing marks a shift from historical Cold War-era EMP research toward modern, civilian-focused grid resilience strategies.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance75How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy20Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz15Current news / social attention level
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