New Jersey's largest power company has asked the federal government to halt all air traffic around two nuclear power plants after drones were spotted over sensitive areas, The Post reported. I found out from the news.
Rep. Fred Van Drew (R-N.J.) confirmed to the Post that PSE&G submitted the request to the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday.
The unusual attraction comes amid a spate of mysterious drone sightings across the Garden State, as well as parts of Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.
Van Drew said two drones hovered this week over the Salem Nuclear Power Plant and the adjacent Hope Creek Power Plant in Lower Alloways Creek Township, about 40 miles from Wilmington. In response to the discovery, the company said it was “concerned about nuclear facilities.” Dera Dera, 80 miles from Philadelphia.
“[The incursion] It wasn't the most sensitive area of the plant, but something like this had never happened before,” Van Drew told the Post.
The two drones were about the size of a “small SUV” and similar to others seen flying over the state.
Van Drew said federal authorities have received “thousands” of reports from residents in New Jersey and New York who have noticed drones in the sky.
“We will not stop until we get to the bottom of this,” Van Drew said.
State officials are in contact with the White House, FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense seeking answers and assistance. The first sighting in New Jersey was reported in mid-November.
Gov. Phil Murphy wrote a letter to President Joe Biden on Friday, saying drones “raise more questions than answers” and the lack of transparency is fueling online conspiracy theories.
Van Drew said he remains stunned that the outgoing administration continues to give flimsy answers about what is violating U.S. airspace and who is behind the drones.
“We are currently working with the FBI to gather more information and have requested a confidential briefing to ensure the public gets the answers they deserve,” Van Drew said. It added that assistance would be provided soon. A radar system will be deployed that can track the drone's fingerprints.
“The safety of our communities and infrastructure is non-negotiable, and we will act decisively to protect both,” Van Drew said.
A PSE&G representative declined to comment on the FAA's request, but said the company was “aware of reports of drones flying over the plant” and “has contacted the appropriate authorities.”
