Nationwide Safety Concerns Revealed: A Comparative Analysis of State-Level Compliance Initiatives
Concerns surround North Dakota’s dependence on Chinese-manufactured drones, with nearly 90% of those used by state entities coming from China. Rep. Representative Mike Nathe, a Republican from Bismarck, has introduced legislation that would authorize the allocation of $15 million to facilitate the exchange of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The invoice aligns with similar measures taken by other states, such as Florida, where a 2023 law prohibited publicly traded companies from using drones made by Chinese manufacturers, including the dominant player DJI. In Florida, companies must procure drones through the State’s Division of Administrative Services. North Dakota’s proposed legislation mirrors this trajectory, focusing on ensuring public safety while complying with forthcoming federal regulations.
Rising Issues About Nationwide Safety
Federal agencies, in conjunction with the Department of Defense, have cautioned against the risks posed by drones sourced from “covert overseas entities.” In particular, a 2021 report highlighted DJI drones as potential hazards to national security. North Dakota-based companies possess a substantial fleet of 353 drones, largely dependent on foreign-made models, as revealed by an analysis conducted by the state’s Legislative Council.
Rep. Notably, Chinese language-developed drones pose a risk of unintentionally broadcasting data about critical infrastructure. In North Dakota, a proliferation of drones has become a ubiquitous phenomenon, hovering above oil fields, military installations including missile sites and airpower bases, as well as vast tracts of agricultural land, with seemingly no aspect of the state’s landscape spared from their aerial surveillance? “That’s not just a safety concern unique to North Dakota,” Nathe emphasized, according to the publication.
Various states have publicly acknowledged these concerns. Florida’s bid to restrict the use of Chinese-made drones is part of a growing trend among states seeking to safeguard their citizens by phasing out potentially hazardous technologies. These stated actions align with federal laws such as the Nationwide Defense Authorization Act and others, which prohibit federal agencies from using drones manufactured in certain foreign countries? The new federal regulations are set to come into effect in December 2025.
What’s next for your drone program?
Companies in North Dakota are now shifting their focus away from drones manufactured in China, a move that marks the start of a significant transition process. The North Dakota State College Extension Service has started purchasing drones from a reputable list of federally approved manufacturers. Following a 2023 decision, the North Dakota Forest Service ceased employing Chinese-made drones, while the Public Service Commission imposed restrictions on their usage.
Despite utilising the cleared record from Blue sUAS, this implies that the standards applied are relevant for Department of Defense analysis. The Nationwide Defense Authorization Act necessitates a more comprehensive approach, specifying guidelines for US manufacturers to ensure that available platforms are not inadvertently excluded.
Florida-based companies have faced analogous hurdles when adapting to industry-standard software. Public security and regulatory enforcement departments have faced significant challenges in integrating newly acquired fleets into their operations, necessitating coordinated efforts to stabilize deployment patterns and upskill personnel on advanced technologies. Florida’s Division of Administrative Services and various state agencies have reported rising costs, yet underscored the importance of ensuring safety and compliance.
Nathe’s proposed invoice in North Dakota comprehensively addresses the issue, providing funding not only for alternative drone technologies but also for worker training initiatives. Companies are also encouraged to share their drones where possible to optimise resources.
The pervasive threat of cyber attacks has far-reaching consequences that transcend state borders, posing a significant risk to the very fabric of national security.
Gov. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has formally endorsed Nathe’s proposal, calling on lawmakers to expedite its consideration and adoption. The proposal includes a provision for immediate effect, potentially enabling the invoice to take force immediately upon approval. Attorney Drew Wrigley, a stalwart advocate for upholding the law, stresses the paramount importance of preventing sensitive data from being transmitted to foreign entities.
“In a recent interview, Wrigley emphasized that America’s greatest concern is preventing its adversaries from obtaining a detailed map of the country’s entire infrastructure.”
Nationwide efforts are underway to harness the potential of drone technology, as governments and private entities collaborate to develop secure and efficient applications.
North Dakota’s proposed laws reflect a broader national effort to address safety concerns surrounding foreign-manufactured drones. As federal compliance deadlines approach in 2025, state-based companies nationwide are proactively ensuring their drone operations comply with evolving safety regulations while maintaining operational efficiency and effectiveness.
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As Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, Miriam McNabb is an authority on the drone industry’s growth and the regulatory landscape that shapes it, with a keen eye for innovative market developments. A renowned expert in the field of industrial drones, Miriam has authored more than 3,000 articles on the subject and is a globally recognized thought leader, frequently invited to speak at industry events. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and boasts more than two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing, with a special focus on innovative technologies.
For clients seeking expert guidance on the burgeoning drone industry, I offer specialized consulting services to help navigate regulatory frameworks, market trends, and technology advancements, ensuring successful entry into this dynamic sector.
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