Bill Text: AZ SM1003 | 2022 | Fifty-fifth Legislature 2nd Regular | Enrolled
Bill Title: Electrical grids; security; strengthening
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-02-24 - Transmitted to Secretary of State [SM1003 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2022-SM1003-Enrolled.html
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Senate Engrossed
electrical grids; security; strengthening |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-fifth Legislature Second Regular Session 2022
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SENATE MEMORIAL 1003 |
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A Memorial
urging the United States Congress to implement legislation to strengthen the United States and Arizona electrical grids.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
To the Congress of the United States of America:
Your memorialist respectfully represents:
Whereas, the United States electrical grid is divided into three parts, all of which are extremely vulnerable to attack by electromagnetic pulse (EMP), hacking, physical assault, severe electrical storms or damage by a natural solar event; and
Whereas, a nuclear EMP attack would have devastating consequences to our nation, as congressional studies estimate that such an attack on the Eastern United States power grid would result in a 90% death rate over a one-year period. Further, the United States military is 99% dependent on civilian electricity, and such an attack could severely hinder our nation's defense capabilities; and
Whereas, in addition to the threat of enemy attack, the sun has already hit North America twice with devastating electrical force that caused major upheaval in infrastructure elements, in 1859 and again in 1989; and
Whereas, the next natural solar event or enemy attack on our nation's power grids could potentially disrupt numerous United States industries and services, including the military, banking, farming, fuel delivery, water and sewage services, hospitals, emergency services, communications and manufacturing; and
Whereas, none of the United States grids are currently EMP-protected at all, and basic protection has been estimated in a 2004 Congressional Report to cost $2 billion; and
Whereas, protecting our nation's vital infrastructure, including its electrical grids, is a valid function of the United States and state governments that benefits all citizens; and
Whereas, China, Russia and Israel have already strengthened their electrical grids to limit damage and to restore power after an attack or natural solar flare; and
Whereas, terrorist countries are known to be testing and preparing super-EMP weapons, naming our nation as a target. If an enemy launched an attack from sea or space, the United States would not soon know who attacked us and could not easily retaliate; and
Whereas, over the years, Congress and several states have studied these threats, yet to date no legislation has been passed requiring the strengthening of our electrical grids. It is imperative that the current Congress expeditiously enact comprehensive legislation that will protect our nation's vital electrical grids from EMP threats, both natural and man-made.
Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, prays:
1. That the United States Congress promptly enact comprehensive legislation to strengthen the United States and Arizona electrical grids.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit copies of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
PASSED BY THE SENATE FEBRUARY 23, 2022.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE FEBRUARY 24, 2022.
