WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced bipartisan legislation to protect our nation’s nuclear facilities from the growing threat of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. The senators’ Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense (NEDD) Act would expand the Department of Energy’s (DOE) authority to counter drones presenting threats to U.S. nuclear facilities and assets, specifically to cover facilities that store and transport nuclear material as well as facilities used to research, design, or manufacture components for nuclear weapons. As drones become more advanced, this legislation would help to better secure America’s major nuclear sites as well as smaller facilities that are critical to national security.
“As drone technologies evolve and advance, we need to be taking every step necessary to protect our national security and keep America’s nuclear assets, and the communities near them, safe,” said Senator Peters. “This bill would give the Department of Energy the additional authority it needs to counter evolving drone threats and protect some of our nation’s most sensitive and critical infrastructure.”
“Unmanned aircraft systems are threatening our nuclear and national security,” said Senator Blackburn. “The NEDD Act would protect nuclear facilities from unauthorized drones, enhancing the Department of Energy’s ability to safeguard its assets, and counter threats to our national security.”
Between 2022 and 2024, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) reported six unauthorized drone sightings at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS), one suspicious UAS overflight of the Pantex Plant (PTX), and five suspicious drone overflights of the Los Alamos National Labs (LANL) restricted airspace. These events have underscored the need for DOE to have expanded authorities and capabilities to combat evolving drone threats.
The NEDD Act would help address weaknesses in DOE’s current drone authorities to better counter nefariously operated drones. While current law focuses on protecting high-profile sites where special nuclear materials are stored, the U.S. is also home to other important facilities, such as those involved in research or production, that are not thoroughly covered. This bipartisan bill would help close those gaps and ensure that DOE can respond quickly to threats and implement comprehensive safeguards for all sites under its purview.
Peters has been fighting to expand authorities to ensure our nation is prepared to address public safety threats from drones. Last year, he pressed his colleagues to pass long overdue, bipartisan legislation he authored that would provide state and law enforcement with tools to better detect and track drones so they can protect their communities. Peters’ legislation is supported by a wide range of stakeholders including the National Football League, airports and law enforcement organizations.
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