Can America even protect itself from EMP?

by Steve ElwartEmail | Archive Steve Elwart, P.E. is the Senior Research Analyst with the Koinonia Institute and a Subject Matter Expert for the Department of Homeland Security. He can be contacted at steve.elwart@studycenter.com.
 
Can the United States actually protect itself from the effects of an EMP (electromagnetic pulse) attack, or is the nation merely a sitting duck just waiting for disaster?
 
The EMP Commission, a panel established by Congress, has written that “EMP is one of a small number of threats that can hold our society at risk of catastrophic consequences. … It has the capability to produce significant damage to critical infrastructures and thus to the very fabric of U.S. society … .”

The effects of an EMP have been known for 50 years, but it is virtually unknown by the general public. Sadly, many who do know about EMP either discount the threat or consider those who talk about it are “fear mongers.”

The fact is the scenario of a nation-state threatening to use an EMP device against the U.S. is a real threat. There have already been instances of an EMP threat being used against America.

Can America even protect itself from EMP?