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.

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 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 American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Democracy and Technology, Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Electronic Privacy Information Center submitted a joint comment regarding drone flight restrictions near fixed site facilities. While acknowledging security concerns, the organizations argue that the proposed rule lacks sufficient protections for First Amendment-protected newsgathering and urge the FAA to explicitly weigh press freedom interests against security claims.

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 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.

The Delmarva Chicken Association, a trade organization representing meat chicken growers, supports the FAA's proposed rulemaking to restrict unmanned aircraft near fixed site facilities. They argue that these restrictions are necessary to protect critical infrastructure, enhance biosecurity against diseases like avian influenza, and safeguard the food supply from unauthorized surveillance or activist interference.

The North Carolina Poultry Federation supports the proposed rule to restrict unmanned aircraft operations near fixed site facilities. They argue that these restrictions are necessary to protect biosecurity, animal welfare, and the security of the national food supply from unauthorized drone activity.

Austin Flores, Chief Operating Officer of Grimmius Cattle Company, Inc., strongly supports the rulemaking to designate agricultural livestock facilities as restricted airspace. He argues that unauthorized drone activity poses significant risks to animal welfare, employee safety, and food security, and urges the FAA to treat these facilities as critical infrastructure.