Let the States Begin Protecting their Electric Grids

A new Government Accountability Office report provides a damning indictment of the U.S. government’s dysfunction with respect to addressing and mitigating the vulnerabilities of the nation’s electric grid.

GAO found that no one seems to be in charge of that mission at the federal level, specifically addressing the threat of intense electromagnetic pulses (EMP), whether arising from enemy action or naturally occurring solar storms.

Fortunately, state officials like Texas Senator Bob Hall are filling the leadership vacuum. He previously helped safeguard our strategic deterrent against EMP and is currently sponsoring a two-day summit in Austin to begin protecting his state’s electric infrastructure.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has also said he’s going to make securing his state’s grid a “high priority.” Now is the time for him to translate that commitment into action – and lead the nation in doing so.