The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Rep. Greg Stanton’s bipartisan Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act, which would provide grants to state, local and tribal governments to use drones to visually inspect critical infrastructure.
“This legislation would leverage drone technology to improve America’s infrastructure through more efficient inspection, maintenance, and construction,” Jordan Crenshaw, vice president of the Chamber’s Technology Engagement Center, said. “Utilizing drones in this manner is one of many solutions this technology can provide, and H.R. 5315 underscores the importance of policy that is conducive to emerging technologies.”
H.R. 5315, introduced with Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.) has already earned support from the National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, National Council of State Legislatures, National Association of State Aviation Officials, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Commercial Drone Alliance and Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International.
Nearly half of America’s bridges are more than 50 years old, and other infrastructure is aging quickly. American workers must have safe, effective, and climate-friendly methods to inspect aging and decaying infrastructure. But traditional inspection methods—dependent on heavy machinery—are often dangerous, time consuming and expensive.
Benefits of using drones includes improved worker safety, reduced carbon emissions, and reduced costs.
Read the full letter of support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce HERE.