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Babin: Federal drone law nears approval
Beaumont Enterprise
By Eric Besson | Wednesday, July 13, 2016
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Congress is finalizing a broad federal bill that would include restrictions on operating drones near petrochemical plants and oil refineries, a provision pushed by U.S. Rep. Brian Babin.

Babin's office on Wednesday said the legislation is expected to obtain Senate passage and head to President Barack Obama's desk.

The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act would in part allow applicants to petition the Federal Aviation Administration to restrict the operation of drones near refineries and petrochemical plants, critical infrastructure, amusement parks and other locations.

Drones, unmanned aircraft flown remotely, have surged in recreational popularity, raising concerns over collisions with aircrafts and, locally, whether industrial secrets and safety are vulnerable.

Babin has pushed an amendment to restrict the aircraft from flying near the heavy industrial complexes.

"This carefully crafted language will ensure both the protection of our oil and gas facilities and their employees from unauthorized drone activity while also respecting the growing business of public and commercial drone use throughout the United States," Babin said in a prepared statement.

State Rep. Joe Deshotel, D-Port Arthur, sponsored legislation in 2015 that restricts drone flying near refineries and petrochemical plants in Texas.

John Durkay, legal counsel for the Southeast Texas Plant Managers Forum, said in 2015 that plants were concerned freelance photographers may take aerial photographs and try to sell them to competitors.

"The drone business is a tremendous opportunity for industrial espionage, and the plants are very worried about it," Durkay said.

More than 50 such complexes are concentrated in the three-county Southeast Texas area.

Unless renewed, the FAA's authorization would expire Friday.

Reporter Brandon Scott contributed.