WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) submitted comments to the Department of Transportation (DOT) on the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) proposed rule for implementing Section 2209 of the Safety and Security Act of 2016 and creating a framework for addressing unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drone) operating near fixed-site critical infrastructure.
“We need FAA’s help to better protect America’s critical infrastructure from careless, clueless and criminal drone operators, strengthen coordination with industry, and establish clear consequences for those who misuse drones near our nation’s vital facilities.
“AFPM looks forward to working constructively with the FAA, DOT and other government partners on an implementation approach that enhances critical infrastructure security and supports safe UAS integration into the National Airspace System. This rule, provided it’s implemented well, is a necessary first step to improve and modernize security around the nation’s energy assets.” — Jeff Gunnulfsen, AFPM Assistant Vice President Security and Risk Management
AFPM supports efforts to strengthen aviation safety, national security and the protection of people, property and essential infrastructure. Drone-related risks to critical infrastructure are real, and finalizing this rule is an important step toward building a safe and secure airspace. As the FAA completes its work, AFPM encourages the agency to adopt a practical, risk-based approach that protects sensitive information and accounts for the realities of refining, petrochemical, chemical and midstream operations.
AFPM urges additional clarification and refinement in several areas. These include risk-based eligibility criteria that recognize facilities already subject to critical infrastructure security requirements, such as MTSA and TSA Security Directive sites; streamlined application requirements that avoid unnecessary burden; and stronger protections to limit drones from flying over its member sites.
The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is the leading trade association representing the makers of the fuels that keep us moving, the petrochemicals that are the essential building blocks for modern life, and the midstream companies that get our feedstocks and products where they need to go. We make the products that make life better, safer and more sustainable — we make progress.
