ABSTRACT
It is widely known today that critical infrastructure is the target of choice by terrorists. From bridges, water treatment plants, power plants, symbolic buildings, transportation hubs, and banking, critical infrastructure represents the backbone of the economy in a democratic society. With a majority of the critical infrastructure in the private sector, it is important to note that responsibility for security and protection rests with the owners of infrastructure themselves. The nudging and supervision of the federal government is necessary to make sure there is a standard of care. For example, the Maritime Transportation Security Act creates security goals for the maritime industry. Pending legislation for the Chemical Facilities Security Act would mandate security duties for the chemical industry. Water treatment facilities and nuclear power facilities have existing federal standards and regulations regarding security. The challenge with getting the private sector to develop security standards and emergency plans is that each sector operates in somewhat of a vacuum. Until a major disaster specific to a particular infrastructure prompts national regulations, such as dams breaking, bridges collapsing, or widespread food contamination, private sector infrastructure owners will be slow to make changes.
