ARLINGTON, Va. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — December 17, 2015 — The following statement is attributed to Douglas Johnson, vice president, technology policy, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM – formerly the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® – and member of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) UAS Registration Task Force, regarding the new FAA State and Local Regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Fact Sheet:

“We appreciate the FAA reminding state and local officials that the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over UAS safety, including flight altitudes, flight paths and no-fly zones. State and local ordinances in these areas are invalid and preempted, and state and local requirements for drone registration are impermissible.

“Increasingly, local government leaders and elected officials are addressing the importance of safe drone usage and dangers of flying drones carelessly. But the myriad of misaligned and conflicting local rules now emerging across the country threatens to throttle this nascent technology.

“Overzealous regulation will damage entrepreneurs and startups, stifle current job creation and hinder the remarkable economic potential the drone sector offers. This sloppy patchwork of rules will confuse casual hobbyists and commercial operators alike, and undercut federal and industry UAS safety initiatives.

“The safe integration of drones will provide life-altering innovations such as the rapid delivery of life-saving diagnostics and medicine, and remarkable improvements in crop production and efficiency. But to realize this remarkable potential, local officials must defer to the FAA on federal rules that allow for drone operation and provide for continued industry and government cooperation.”

CTA and several other organizations – including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) – support the Know Before You Fly consumer safety campaign encouraging responsible use of UAS. CTA expects 2015 to be a defining year for drones, as the U.S. market will approach $105 million in revenue (increasing by more than 52 percent from 2014) with unit sales expected to approach 700,000, an increase of 63 percent – including 400,000 units during the current holiday season.

About Consumer Technology Association:

Consumer Technology Association (CTA)^TM, formerly Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^®, is the trade association representing the $285 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies – 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world’s best known brands – enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CTA also owns and produces CES^® – the world’s gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technology. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA’s industry services.

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