• New York will get a federal drone detection system following increased drone sightings, including one that shut down Stewart International Airport.
• Governor Hochul urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Act to give states more authority over drone issues.
• Officials say the drones aren’t a security threat but call for stronger regulations near sensitive areas.

In a recent announcement, New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul shared that the federal government is set to provide New York with an advanced drone detection system.

Increased Drone Sightings Across the East Coast

This move comes after several drone sightings were reported not just in New York but also in New Jersey and other East Coast states like Maryland. Governor Hochul emphasized that this technology would aid state and federal law enforcement agencies in their ongoing investigations into these incidents.

Governor Hochul Calls for Congressional Action

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The governor expressed her gratitude for the federal support but also highlighted a need for further action from Congress. She advocated for the passage of the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act, aiming to empower states with the necessary authority and resources to effectively respond to such challenges. The specifics of whether similar support has been extended to New Jersey or other affected states remain uncertain.

Urgency Highlighted by Airport Shutdown

The urgency of this issue was underscored by an incident on December 14th when drone activity led to a temporary shutdown of Stewart International Airport in Orange County, NY. Calling the situation unacceptable, Governor Hochul urged the federal government to offer more substantial assistance. She pointed out the limitations imposed by current federal regulations on state-level interventions regarding drones and stressed the importance of extending greater powers to state officials.

Public Officials Voice Concerns Over Drone Risks

Amid these developments, federal representatives have assured that there is no indication of the drones presenting a security threat or being controlled by foreign adversaries like Iran or China. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also clarified that these drones were not operating near sensitive military locations.

Concerns Over Drone Risks

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Despite these reassurances, concerns persist among public officials about the potential risks posed by these drones. President-elect Donald Trump voiced his skepticism about the situation being outside governmental knowledge and advocated for transparency or decisive action against the drones if needed.

Similarly, calls for potentially shooting down drones deemed threatening have come from various quarters, including both Republican Representative Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who suggested such measures could be considered if drones pose a risk near airports or military bases.

This unfolding scenario highlights significant concerns regarding airspace safety and governance amidst increasing drone activities, prompting calls for enhanced regulatory frameworks and operational capabilities at both state and federal levels.

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