CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION: Federal Agencies Have Taken Actions to Address Electromagnetic Risks, but Opportunities Exist to Further Assess Risks and Strengthen Collaboration

Abstract

Electromagnetic risks caused by a man-made EMP or a naturally occurring solar weather event could have a significant impact on the nations electric grid as well as other infrastructure sectors that depend on electricity, such as communications. These risks could lead to power outages over broad geographic areas for extended durations. GAO was asked to review federal efforts to address electromagnetic risks to the electric grid. This report examines (1) the extent to which key federal agencies have taken action to address electromagnetic risks and how these actions align with the 2008 EMP Commission report recommendations, and (2) what additional opportunities exist to enhance federal efforts to address electromagnetic risks to the electric grid. GAO reviewed the EMP Commission report and federal program documents, and interviewed DHS, DOE, and FERC officials and relevant stakeholders who provided insights on key actions taken.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2016
Accession Number
AD1105769

Entities

Organizations

  • United States Government Accountability Office

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter WMD
  • Cyber
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Sensors
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Communication Systems
  • Control Systems
  • Department Of Defense
  • Department Of Homeland Security
  • Electrical Grids
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electromagnetic Pulses
  • Electronic Mail
  • Emergency Response
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • Law
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Management Personnel
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Space Weather
  • Teamwork
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • Urban Areas

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy Engineering.
  • Government and Public Administration Law.