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Governor Kathy Hochul is advocating for enhanced drone protection in New York following recent drone sightings over New Jersey and the east coast. The state plans to implement a new, state-of-the-art drone detection system, funded by the Biden Administration, to safeguard New York's skies.
The governor is urging Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This legislation aims to reform legal authorities to counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and strengthen the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of drones. It would also extend counter-UAS activities to select state and local law enforcement agencies.
In mid-November, Governor Hochul directed the New York State Intelligence Center to investigate drone sightings and coordinate with federal law enforcement. She emphasized the importance of extending these powers to New York State and other regions, urging the Biden Administration to deploy additional federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure and residents.
The recent drone activity has caused disruptions, including a shutdown of runways at Stewart Airfield for about an hour due to drone presence in the airspace. Governor Hochul stated, "This has gone too far," highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.