Trump signs executive order to build resilience against electromagnetic pulses

President Donald Trump signed Monday an Executive Order (EO) establishing the first comprehensive, whole-government policy to build resilience and protect against electromagnetic pulses (EMPs), temporary electromagnetic signals that can disrupt, degrade and damage technology and critical infrastructure systems across broad areas.

This EO directs action to protect key systems, networks and assets that are most at risk from an EMP in a dynamic threat environment. It will assist in preparedness against EMP events through increased public and private coordination and planning.

“EMPs are a threat to our national security and energy security,” Energy Secretary Rick Perry said. “The Executive Order sends a clear message to adversaries that the United States takes this threat seriously. As the Sector-Specific Agency for the energy sector, the Department of Energy will work with our Federal and private sector partners to reduce the threats EMP events pose to the Nation.”

The EO directs action in five areas including identifying national critical functions and associated priority critical infrastructure at greatest risk from EMPs; improving understanding of EMP effects; evaluating approaches to mitigate the effects of EMPs; strengthening critical infrastructure to withstand the effects of EMPs; and improving national response to EMP events. It also promotes government and private sector innovation and directs federal agencies to further the research and development required to build U.S. resilience to EMP events.

“Reducing the risk of EMPs requires not only increased coordination across government and industry, but also increased innovation,” Under Secretary of Energy Mark W. Menezes said. “DOE’s unique assessment and modeling capabilities and the world-class capabilities and expertise at our National Laboratories has played, and will continue to play, an important role in securing our Nation against this formidable threat.”