Cooperative Federalism and Low-Altitude Drone Operations

Authors:Jason Snead and John-Michael Seibler

 SUMMARY

Bipartisan measures have been introduced in the House and Senate proposing a cooperative-federalism approach to the regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Specifically, below 200 feet in altitude, state, local, and tribal authorities could reasonably regulate the time, manner, and place of drone operation. This authority would permit local governance of low-altitude drone activity in a manner similar to traffic management. President Donald Trump has also signed a presidential memorandum establishing pilot programs for commercial drone operations that would require the participation of state and local authorities. Congress should reject overblown concerns about a regulatory “patchwork” and adopt a cooperative-federalism approach that leverages the unique competencies of state, local, and federal officials to foster a competitive, safe, and innovative drone industry.

Full article: http://www.heritage.org/government-regulation/report/cooperative-federalism-and-low-altitude-drone-operations?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=thf-fb