Most Alabama folks have not heard the term, "Electromagnetic Pulse Explosion." Fewer still know what an EMP explosion means and how it could affect them.
South Alabama Liberty in Enterprise is meeting on Tuesday, May 7, to study steps that can be taken to prevent such an explosion and what to do if it occurs.
In everyday language, here is my explanation of an EMP explosion:
If a targeted explosion in the atmosphere or a gigantic sunspot generates strong electromagnetic pulses, it could disable the electric power system and fry devices with computer chips, micro-boards, virtual drives and CPUs. The explosion could be a terrorist or enemy attack. Of course, a sunspot would be a natural phenomenon.
The possibility of an EMP attack has not generated much support for preventive measures in Washington, D.C., the nation's electric utilities or state public service commissions.
Alabama may be ahead of the rest in preventing and preparing for an EMP. Alabama appears to be in the same position on preventive steps against an EMP as we are in the alphabet – first.
In 2017, "Secure the Grid Coalition," the largest gathering ever of experts on the EMP threat, convened in Montgomery. The dozen experts held a week of meetings about developing a plan to prevent an EMP attack and what to do if one occurs. They began the week's work with a news briefing on the steps of Alabama's state capitol building, which I hosted.
EMP military, industrial and university experts held planning sessions at Montgomery's Maxwell Air Force Base. The Alabama gathering included an all-star cast: former CIA Director James Woolsey, Ambassador Hank Cooper, Frank Gaffney, Dr. Peter Pry, Three-Star General David Kwast, author Jonathan Hollerman, and professor Tom Popik.
Strong on initiative, weak on follow-up.
Then-President Donald Trump took the lead in protecting our nation from the serious threat of an EMP attack. He issued an executive order in March 2017 directing action toward EMP defense. Since Trump left office, there has been less follow-up on his initiative.
Alabama can become the focal point for strategic planning and resources to protect from an EMP attack. With the Air University in Montgomery and NASA in Huntsville, Alabama is ideally situated to be the nation's capital for EMP defense.
Now, Secure the Grid Coalition is presenting a plan to a citizens' group in southwest Alabama's Wiregrass. They present "Grid Security" to South Alabama Liberty on Tuesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m. at Wiregrass Outdoors in Enterprise. The public is invited (but please bring a chair).
Topics that will be presented are:
History of EMP
Grid 101: How the Electrical Grid Works
Notable People in the Grid Movement
History of the EMP
The Science Behind an EMP
Eht EMP Commission
Grid Vulnerability
The Metcalf Substation Sniper Attacek
Electromagnetic Attack
EMP Attacks
Solar Disturbances
Books on EMP
Nuclear Power Plants
What’s Been Done
Dr. Baker’s 2021 Grid Report
Secure the Grid Coalition
Questions answered and websites.
The presenter is Charlie Reynolds, also known as "The Grid Guy." The Millbrook resident is a member of the Secure the Grid Coalition. With degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Alabama and Spring Hill College, Reynolds has worked for over 25 years as an engineer with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.
The South Alabama Liberty group led the large citizen movement in 2020-21 to oppose mandates requiring people to take COVID-19 shots or lose their jobs.
Information on South Alabama Liberty can be found here.
"Nanobots to Nanoscrap in Nanoseconds!"
Jim' Zig' Zeigler writes about Alabama's people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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