Lawmakers demand FAA environmental review for Amazon drone hub in Massachusetts

U.S. Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, have urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct a site-specific environmental review for a proposed Amazon Prime Air drone delivery hub in Westborough, Massachusetts. The lawmakers argue that a previous nationwide FAA finding, which covered 23 sites across 11 states, did not account for the specific environmental and geographic conditions of New England.

Local opposition in Westborough is significant, with a resident survey indicating approximately 92% opposition to the hub. Residents have raised concerns regarding noise pollution, privacy, health, and safety. In response to the project, the Westborough Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to hear an appeal against the drone launch pad on November 2.

Additionally, the town is considering a new general bylaw regarding unmanned aircraft, which would require approval from the Massachusetts Attorney General and the MassDOT Aeronautics Division. This local push follows legal challenges in other jurisdictions, where some officials have argued that local regulation of drone flights may be preempted by federal authority.