Sen. Dodd’s Electromagnetic Pulse Attack Bill Clears Legislature

SACRAMENTO – The Legislature has approved a bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would add electromagnetic pulse attacks to the grounds for which a California governor may declare a state of emergency, ensuring the quick deployment of resources to any natural or made-made strike that threatens critical infrastructure.

“I know it sounds like science-fiction, but electromagnetic technology is evolving and an attack could devastate electronic devices and power sources across the state,” Sen. Dodd said. “With the aggression we’re seeing from Russia and other hostile nations, it makes sense to be prepared for the possibility, however remote. Adding it to the list of reasons to declare an emergency makes sense. I thank my legislative colleagues for their willingness to give the governor the tools to respond to this potential threat.”

The California Emergency Services Act authorizes the governor to declare a state of emergency when specified conditions of disaster or extreme peril exist, and streamline aid to affected communities. Some conditions include earthquakes, floods and wildfires.

Electromagnetic pulse, which is caused naturally by severe space weather or may be weaponized by an enemy, could damage significant portions of the nation’s infrastructure, including the electrical grid, communications equipment, water and wastewater systems, and even cars. Such an attack could be part of a nuclear strike, and Russia remains the United States’ largest and most capable rival, according to the 2021 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community. The government says Russia is expanding and modernizing the capabilities of its weapons of mass destruction, which could penetrate U.S. missile defenses.

Given rising geopolitical tensions and growing threats across the globe, Sen. Dodd introduced Senate Bill 468, which clarifies that the governor can declare a state of emergency in the event of an electromagnetic pulse attack. SB 468 was approved with overwhelming support of the Assembly and Senate, and heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.