Governors Applaud Congressional Action on Drone Threats

Washington, D.C. - NGA Chair Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Vice Chair Maryland Governor Wes Moore welcomed inclusion of the Safer Skies Act in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The language - a key priority for governors - authorizes trained and certified state and territorial law enforcement and correctional officers to address the threat of nefarious drones in coordination with key federal agencies.

"Unauthorized drones pose an increasing threat to public safety, yet federal law has hindered states' ability to take action," stated Govs. Stitt and Moore. "With upcoming events like the World Cup, America's 250th anniversary celebrations and more, securing American airspace is urgent. We applaud Congress for recognizing the need for states and territories to have greater authority to protect our people and our infrastructure from drone threats. The Safer Skies Act promotes the federal-state coordination we need to effectively address vulnerabilities. Governors look forward to continuing to work with federal partners in advancing our nation's security."

More than 30 governors wrote to congressional leadership in September calling on Congress to enact legislation that strengthens and clarifies the coordination between federal and state authorities to address the increasing threat posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to the nation's critical infrastructure and public safety.

Almost 800,000 drones are registered in the U.S. - plus an unknown number unregistered. Prior to passage of Safer Skies Act language in the NDAA, only federal agencies like the FAA, Defense Department, Homeland Security Department, and FBI possessed explicit legal authority to shoot down drones or disrupt them through hacking and jamming technology.

States have witnessed numerous intrusions over energy infrastructure, public events and military bases:

• Suspicious drones have been spotted near college football and NFL games, prompting safety concerns and evacuations from playing fields.
• Law enforcement uncovered attempts to use drones to damage power stations in Pennsylvania and Tennessee.
• Unauthorized drones have been tracked flying over chemical plants and pipelines in Louisiana and near major airports.
• Drones have collided with firefighting aircraft in California and interfered with hurricane rescue and recovery operations in North Carolina.
• A Chinese national was apprehended using drones to surveil naval facilities near Norfolk, Va.