Oklahoma U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have introduced an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act to make sure operators of critical infrastructure are able to use drones to help with compliance of existing federal regulations.
“Recent advancements made with drone technology gives companies with large-scale critical infrastructure the opportunity to more safely and cost effectively maintain their operations,” explained Sen. Inhofe. “Whether it is an energy company delivering resources via a pipeline or a utility company maintaining electric transmission, critical infrastructure owners and operators are responsible for a network that often stretches across thousands of miles and impacts millions of Americans.”
Booker explained the amendment would direct the FAA to create clear rules of the road that allow the nation to move safely and efficiently into the 21st century.
The amendment would include changes to the Reauthorization Act including the construction, maintenance and protection of critical infrastructure and allow the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for compliance with state and local government regulations.
It would also ensure that electric energy infrastructure owners and operators would be able to participate. Sen. Inhofe said the amendment has the support of the National Rural Electric Cooperatives, the American Public Power Association, Edison Electric Institute, the Wireless Association, the American Gas Association, the Interstate Natural Gas Association of American, the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of Oil Pipelines and the American Fuels and Petrochemical Manufacturers.
