Massachusetts Lawmakers Demand Closer Look at Amazon Drone Delivery Plans

As Amazon prepares to launch a drone delivery hub in Westborough, Massachusetts, four federal lawmakers are urging the company and regulators to delay operations until a comprehensive study is conducted on potential impacts to the local community. The call comes amid growing local opposition and questions about noise, wildlife effects, and battery fire risks associated with drone flights.

Lawmakers Cite Concerns About Noise, Wildlife, and Battery Fire Risks

Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, together with Representatives Jim McGovern and Lori Trahan, sent formal letters on October 11 to both Amazon and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These letters request an in-depth environmental review focused specifically on the proposed Westborough drone delivery site, and they ask that local residents be given a voice in the process before drone delivery service begins.

“From noise pollution to fire risks, communities have plenty of reasons to question Big Tech’s plan to fill their skies with drones,” Senator Markey stated, highlighting the broad concerns held by local residents. He added, “We can’t let Amazon treat our skies like a testing ground for its drone delivery ambitions.”

Amazon’s Drone Delivery Ambitions for Westborough

Amazon aims to use its facility at 64 Otis St. in Westborough as a drone delivery hub, potentially making up to 1,000 deliveries daily. The drones are designed to carry packages of up to five pounds within a 7.5-mile radius, a range that would include sections of Worcester.

Dispute Over Environmental Reviews and Local Impact

The request from lawmakers centers on a recent FAA decision, made on July 28, allowing drone delivery proponents to satisfy environmental regulations through a nationwide review process. Critics argue that this approach might overlook important local concerns unique to Westborough and surrounding communities, such as drone noise pollution, effects on wildlife, and the hazards of drone battery risks.

According to the lawmakers, previous environmental reviews by the FAA failed to include New England sites and did not examine the handling of hazardous materials in detail.

Community Opposition and Ongoing Legal Challenges

Local opposition to the Amazon drone delivery hub has been significant. An online survey reports over 1,500 responses, with approximately 93% expressing opposition to the project. Massachusetts is among 15 states, along with Harris County, Texas, that are actively challenging the FAA’s environmental ruling in court regarding the expedited national review process.

In their letter, the lawmakers wrote, “Amazon is now trying to quickly move drone operations into Massachusetts under a streamlined regulatory process the state itself is challenging.”

Requests for Transparency and Next Steps

The lawmakers asked Amazon and the FAA to provide a detailed response by October 29. Should either party decline to pursue a local review, the lawmakers have requested a clear explanation and any community-specific analyses used to inform that decision.

Locally, Amazon’s site plan remains under review with the Westborough Planning Board, which continued its hearing until November 10. Additionally, the Zoning Board of Appeals is expected to review a challenge to how the town has classified the drone operation next month. Amazon has not responded publicly to these latest requests for comment.

Source: boston.com.