US lawmakers ask FAA to conduct review before allowing Amazon drone hub near Boston
The lawmakers want a site-specific environmental review before Amazon begins deliveries, citing noise, wildlife, and battery fire risks.
- On Wednesday, Massachusetts Democratic Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, with Representatives Jim McGovern and Lori Trahan, urged the Federal Aviation Administration and Amazon to conduct a site-specific environmental review for the proposed Westborough drone hub.
- Lawmakers argue the FAA's July decision allows nationwide environmental findings instead of site-specific assessments, failing to address Westborough-specific risks like noise pollution, wildlife impacts, and potential drone battery fires.
- Data reveals widespread local opposition: an independent survey of 1,200 responses found 92% opposed to the facility, while a separate voluntary survey reports more than 1,500 responses with 93% opposing the hub.
- Massachusetts has joined 14 other states and Harris County, Texas, in challenging the FAA's nationwide environmental finding in court; state legislators Hannah Kane and Kate Donaghue also formally asked Amazon to pause its plans.
- While Amazon aims to expand airborne shipping to nearly 500 U.S. cities, the Zoning Board of Appeals will consider a challenge to the town's classification of the drone operation next month.
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4 members of Congress want Amazon to delay takeoff of drone delivery plans in Massachusetts
Several members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation are pushing for more study and public feedback before Amazon's drone deliveries out of Westborough take off.
US lawmakers ask FAA to conduct review before allowing Amazon drone hub near Boston
A group of Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday urged the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a new environmental review before allowing an Amazon Prime Air drone delivery hub to be located about 30 miles (48.28 km) west of Boston.
Before Amazon drones take off in Westborough, lawmakers want more answers
Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Reps. Jim McGovern and Lori Trahan want a review of potential noise, wildlife and environmental impacts, and battery fire risks before the FAA authorizes operations.
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