Lawmakers Want To Safeguard Texas Against An EMP
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Some lawmakers are calling an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) one of the most debilitating threats to Texas.
An EMP is a powerful electric charge in the air that physically damages electronics within a given area. These pluses can be given off by weather or by a weapon.
An EMP could potentially cause a wide spread electricity outage.
"There would be no water, no gas or generators," said Texas Senator Bob Hall.
Hall is working to shine a light on the issue and has hosted several local meetings on the topic. He said that Texas is in a unique position because it is the only state in the county with a self-contained grid.
"Texas would be one of the primary targets because our power grid is divided into three parts, eastern, western and the Texas grid stands alone," said Hall.
Senator Hall said that while the chance of an attack is remote, it would have devastating consequences.
His biggest concern is that Texas is home to the second largest group of military installations in the country, all of which, run off of commercial power.
"If there was a hit to the power grid, taking out that part of the military would severely cripple our capabilities," said Hall.
Some people are preparing for an extreme situation. Dana Ellington owns South Summit Survival in Richardson and he said that he has customers visit his store every day that are concerned about a wide spread power outage.
"People are thinking a lot more of preparedness," said Ellington, "It's a major concern and they are buying solar powered equipment and food."
Hall said that this is not a "doom and gloom" situation, but he wants the state to take proper precautions. He said that he would like to see EMP shielding technologies installed on the grid system.
"The legislature needs to move forward," said Hall.
(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
