Designation: Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility

United Dairymen of Arizona supports the proposed rule to restrict unmanned aircraft operations near fixed-site facilities. They argue that unauthorized drone activity poses risks to animal welfare, employee safety, and biosecurity for dairy farms, which are part of the nation's critical infrastructure.

The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), representing the U.S. fertilizer industry, supports the FAA's proposed rule to restrict unmanned aircraft operations near critical infrastructure. They advocate for a risk-informed, practical framework that allows for facility-specific boundaries, clarifies Remote ID standards, and streamlines the application process to avoid unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Great River Hydro, LLC supports the FAA's proposed rule to allow critical infrastructure owners to request restrictions on drone operations near their facilities. The company argues that unauthorized drone activity poses significant security risks to hydroelectric dams and creates potential safety hazards for personnel and equipment.

GSK supports the FAA's proposed rule to restrict unmanned aircraft near fixed-site facilities but argues that the eligibility criteria should be expanded to include pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) and manufacturing facilities. They also recommend creating different types of flight restrictions that prohibit loitering while still permitting flyovers to balance security with the right of transit.

The U.S. Poultry & Egg Association supports the proposed rule to restrict drone operations near critical infrastructure, specifically urging the FAA to include commercial poultry and egg production facilities in these protections. They argue that unauthorized drone flights pose significant biosecurity risks and threaten national food security, and they recommend specific buffer zones and operator exceptions.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association supports the proposed rulemaking to restrict unmanned aircraft operations near fixed site facilities, specifically advocating for the inclusion of food and agricultural properties as critical infrastructure. They argue that these restrictions are necessary to protect the privacy, security, and livestock welfare of cattle producers from aerial trespassing and potential violence by activists or bad actors.

The Meat Institute, a trade association representing meat packers and processors, supports the FAA's proposed rule to allow fixed-site facilities to request unmanned aircraft flight restrictions. They argue that the rule is necessary to protect critical food production infrastructure from security threats, animal stress, and operational disruptions while still allowing for legitimate drone use.

The Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA) supports the proposed rule to restrict unmanned aircraft near fixed site facilities. They argue that the rule is necessary to protect the food supply, ensure the safety of workers and livestock, and prevent potential security threats to critical infrastructure.

The California Cattlemen’s Association, a trade association representing over 1,700 cattle ranchers, supports the FAA's proposal to allow fixed site facilities to request unmanned aircraft flight restrictions. They argue that drones pose significant risks to livestock welfare, biosecurity, and wildfire safety, and urge the FAA to allow all agricultural operations to apply for these restrictions regardless of size or economic impact.

The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) strongly supports the FAA's proposal to allow fixed-site facilities to petition for unmanned aircraft flight restrictions. They argue that the rule is necessary to protect critical infrastructure, ensure farm biosecurity against diseases like African Swine Fever, and safeguard workers from the threats posed by unauthorized drone activity and activist surveillance.