By Daniel Stefanski |
A Republican-led bill to help protect the Arizona electric grid from a lethal threat was recently signed into law.
Late last month, Governor Katie Hobbs signed SB 1301, which “requires electricity producers in Arizona to take steps to secure a continuous supply of electricity regarding the threat of an electromagnetic pulse” – according to the purpose from the State Senate. The proposal was sponsored by Senator David Farnsworth.
In a statement to mark the successful conclusion of his legislation, Farnsworth said, “A few years ago, I was made aware of the danger of electromagnetic pulse. This phenomenon occurs as a burst of electromagnetic energy that can shut down all our electricity in a matter of seconds. That means all transportation, forms of communication, refrigeration, etc., needed to live and operate as a society, will cease to exist. This can occur as a result of a natural event in the form of a solar storm, or a man-made weapon such as a nuclear bomb or electromechanical device.”
The Republican Senator added, “If you want to know more about this phenomenon, I recommend watching a documentary called Grid Down, Power Up, which further explains these dangers and possible solutions.”
The bill unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Energy and Water with a 7-0 vote in February. It was then cleared by the full Senate chamber that same month with a 29-0 vote (with one member not voting). After being transmitted to the State House of Representatives, the legislation was approved by the Committee on Natural Resources, Energy & Water in March with a 9-1 vote. It then sailed past the final legislative hurdle, passing the full House chamber with a 48-8 vote (with three members not voting and one seat vacant).
Senators Shawnna Bolick, Sonny Borrelli, Wendy Rogers, Justine Wadsack, and Representative Seth Blattman were co-sponsors of the bill.
SB 1301 will go into effect 90 days after the Arizona Legislature adjourns for the 2024 session.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
