Tech Industry Group Praises House Drone Hearing

A House subcommittee hearing about drones is receiving a thumbs up from one the largest American trade organizations.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) – formerly the Consumer Electronics Association – released a statement of support regarding Thursday’s Congressional Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade’s hearing titled The Disrupter Series: The Fast – Evolving Uses and Economic Impacts of Drones.

“CTA applauds the work of subcommittee Chairman Burgess and the Committee for addressing this important issue. We urge Congress to allow these new technologies room to grow so that they can thrive and American people can reap their full benefits. With the right regulatory environment, the sky’s the limit,” stated CTA president and CEO Gary Shapiro.

The CTA predicts that the U.S. will reach two million drone flights per day over the next 20 years, creating more than 100,000 jobs over the next 10 years.

“The ability for drones to improve the lives of the American public is limitless. From the quick delivery of life-saving medication and increased crop production to safer work environments for building and bridge inspection teams, drones have the power to benefit millions of people across the nation,” Shapiro said.

The CTA – which represents the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry and boasts more than 2,200 corporate members — has a viable reason for expressing optimism about the hearing.

On Thursday, subcommittee chair U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess lauded the UAV industry prior to the hearing.

“American drone makers have shown their commitment to innovation in turning what was once seen as science fiction into a reality available to consumers and businesses across the country,” Burgess said. “There are many exciting drone applications in various stages of development. Entrepreneurship and innovation are part of this country’s foundation, and we should be searching for ways to position the U.S. as a leader in drone technology development,” the lawmaker added.

Shapiro noted that 2015 may be the “defining year” for drones. The CTA predicts more than 400,000 UAVs will be sold over the holiday season.

“As a pillar of innovation, CTA has long been an advocate for a clear ruling authorizing the safe use of drones. Technology is changing the way we live our lives and creating new opportunities for professional and economic development. It is imperative that our government creates a regulatory environment that maximizes the utility of new technologies and supports continued innovation in this space,” Shapiro added.