State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-34) is taking action in response to concerns surrounding Amazon’s proposed Prime Air drone delivery operation in North Haven, including formally raising concerns with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), participating in an upcoming legislative briefing with Amazon, and continuing to seek answers on behalf of residents. Sen. Cicarella also said he is prepared to support legislative action in Hartford, if needed, to protect residents and address concerns that fall within the state’s authority.
The proposed operation involves federal aviation authority. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has submitted a request to DEEP under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act for review of the proposed North Haven operation’s consistency with the enforceable policies of Connecticut’s federally approved Coastal Management Program.
Sen. Cicarella recently joined House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, Rep. Dave Yaccarino, Rep. Joe Zullo and Sen. Christine Cohen in submitting a letter to DEEP Acting Commissioner Emma Cimino outlining concerns about the proposal and urging a thorough review.
The lawmakers raised concerns regarding potential impacts on nearby residents and coastal resources, including noise, flight altitudes, threatened and endangered bird species, and potential disturbance of nesting and foraging areas. They also requested safeguards including independent noise monitoring, verification of flight altitudes, protections around sensitive wildlife areas, and protocols for reporting wildlife disturbances.
“I share many of the concerns residents have raised, and I want them to know that I am listening and taking action to make sure those concerns are heard throughout this process,” said Sen. Cicarella.
“This proposal involves federal aviation authority, which limits what Connecticut can control through the current review. But that does not mean we simply stand by. There are areas where the state has a role, and I am going to make sure we use every opportunity available to us to ask questions, demand transparency and make sure the concerns of our residents are part of the conversation.
That is why I joined my colleagues in formally raising these issues with DEEP. We want a thorough examination of the potential impacts on our communities, wildlife and natural resources before this process moves forward.
Our constituents deserve clear information about what is being proposed, how these drones would operate, what the potential impacts could be, and what safeguards would be in place. Residents should have a meaningful opportunity to ask questions and provide input on something that could affect their neighborhoods and quality of life.
I am also scheduled to participate in a legislative briefing with Amazon regarding its Prime Air operations. I intend to use that opportunity to hear directly from the company about the proposal and technology, ask questions about its anticipated operations, and raise the concerns residents have brought to me regarding noise, wildlife, safety and the potential impact on surrounding communities.
This is not where my involvement ends. I will continue following the federal and state review processes, keep our constituents informed as more information becomes available and work with my colleagues to determine what additional steps can be taken. If we identify areas that require legislative action when the General Assembly returns in January, I am prepared to take those issues up.”
DEEP is currently accepting public comments as part of its Coastal Consistency Review. Sen. Cicarella encouraged residents with concerns, questions or relevant information to participate in the process. DEEP’s public notice currently lists Oct. 1 as the written-comment deadline.
Comments may be emailed to Karen.Michaels@ct.gov.
The FAA is also accepting questions regarding the proposal at 9-FAA-Drone-Environmental@faa.gov
Sen. Cicarella said he is also discussing whether additional time for public input may be warranted given the significance of the proposal and questions being raised by residents.
“My focus is making sure our residents have a voice and that we get answers to the questions they are asking,” Sen. Cicarella said. “I will continue working at every level available to make sure that happens.”