On the practical side I don't see this as an issue. Not for personal, or even community preparations. I'm just not that dependent on such things and consider the threat minimal.

The wider issue of EMP is, has been, and will be used to push for missile defense and to demonize selected political targets. The committee cited is, in effect a, taxpayer funded, missile defense, and radical GOP international relations advocacy group.

http://www.rightweb.irc-online.org/profile/EMP_Commission

Fear mongering for fun and profit. It is a perennial favorite of a scary story for reposing. And everyone loves a good scary story.

Edited to change offensive phrase that IMHO wasn't very offensive. Evidently you can't use the term "R*ght-w*ng". I find much of what they do offensive but to ban the phrase seems petty. Oh well, not my site; not my rules.