“Working together to protect our nations”

The threat to our societies, our infrastructures and our environment is serious, and growing.  The National Academy of Sciences report concludes it is not a matter of “if” but “when” for a massive, sun-induced geomagnetic storm that could virtually destroy our way of life.  And as President Barack Obama said in his inauguration, “Our nation is at war against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred.”  His comments were focused on the United States, but they are equally valid throughout the developed world.  Failure to address our vulnerability to a potential future EMP strike would put future generations at serious risk.

The paired risks of natural or malicious threats are clear, and that clarity has presented us with an opportunity to work together to ensure our nations are prepared.

Addressing this challenge effectively will mean bringing together government representatives from throughout the world, along with leading NGOs, grid protection experts and corporations to lay the groundwork for U.S., international and multinational responses.  The Electric Infrastructure Security (EIS) Council is taking a unique approach to this urgent need.  Participants, members and member / partner organizations are working together across traditional interest spheres to raise awareness and to participate in an ongoing planning process that will help develop, promote and expand industry and government standards and approaches, as well as concrete measures to protect vital infrastructures.

From EMP and severe geomagnetic storm-protected infrastructure to environmental protection against catastrophic control system failures, we now have an opportunity to work across international and professional-interest boundaries to build the framework for solutions to these critical risks.