Studying the chain reaction

The nation's energy infrastructure - the electric power, oil and natural gas production, transmission, storage, and distribution systems that fuel and power the economy - is inextricably interconnected with other critical infrastructures. The nation and economy depend on energy, telecommunications, water supply systems, transportation (road, rail, air, and water), banking and finance, emergency and government services, agriculture, and other systems and processes that produce and distribute essential goods and services. Collectively, these systems underpin almost every aspect of daily life. In the new economy, these interconnected infrastructures have become increasingly fragile and subject to disruptions that can have broad regional, national, and global consequences. Heightened security measures are now being taken to protect power plants and grids, telecommunications networks, water supply facilities, bridges, ports and rail lines, financial institutions, and other critical infrastructures.