Politics
Congressional delegation seeks local review before Amazon drones fly over MetroWest
Four Massachusetts members of Congress are urging Amazon and the FAA to pause plans for drone deliveries from Westborough until the project receives more site-specific study and public input. The proposed service could reach communities across a 7.5-mile radius, but still needs approval for a launch pad from Westborough’s planning board.
Four Massachusetts members of Congress are pressing Amazon and the Federal Aviation Administration to delay planned drone deliveries from Westborough, calling for a local environmental review and more opportunity for public feedback before flights begin.
In letters sent Wednesday, Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey and Reps. Jim McGovern and Lori Trahan asked Amazon and the FAA to respond by Oct. 29. The lawmakers cited the area’s historic town center, environmental diversity and Massachusetts weather and daylight conditions as reasons the project warrants a site-specific assessment.
Amazon has been aiming to launch its Prime Air service by the end of the year from its distribution center in Westborough. The proposed delivery area extends 7.5 miles from the facility, reaching Shrewsbury and Northborough, as well as parts of Grafton, Worcester, Sutton and Southborough. The drones weigh about 80 pounds, can travel up to 74 mph and would carry packages weighing as much as 5 pounds. It would be the first such program in New England.
The FAA issued a rule this summer that clears a path for commercial drone deliveries nationwide after environmental assessments in 23 states. None of those assessments covered New England. Massachusetts is among 15 states suing the agency over the decision.
The plan has also drawn opposition from Westborough residents and elected officials, who have raised concerns including noise and fire risks. Amazon still needs approval from the town’s planning board for a launch pad at its distribution center; whether the town has legal authority to stop the project remains unclear.
Markey said the community’s concerns, along with the area’s distinct conditions, support calls for additional review before the company’s drones begin operating over local neighborhoods.