Today's letters: the importance of the drone bill & N.J.'s energy future is at risk
Drones are a fascinating technology, with the potential to radically streamline the way we do business, improve the way we protect our communities, and redefine the way we approach countless tasks. However, drones pose clear and major risks -- and as multiple incidents have shown us, they pose a serious threat to security.
As noted in the August 26 editorial, "Drones, laser pointers can make the skies less friendly," our skies present one prominent example of the potential danger of these devices. The possibility of collision with these devices is deeply concerning -- but even more troublesome is the potential to arm drones, and cause complete chaos.
Sitting on the House Homeland Security Committee, I've heard hours of testimony on the yet-unmanaged challenge of drones. That's why the very first bill I introduced addressed small and medium-sized commercially-available drones - drones that can be easily bought by any consumers in stores or online. My bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to study the potential for a drone attack, lead all other agencies in developing policies to prevent such an attack, and develop guidance for state and local law enforcement officials on preventing and handling a drone attack. I'm pleased that this legislation, the Homeland Security Drone Assessment and Analysis Act, has won approval in the House with strong bipartisan support, and now awaits passage in the Senate.
These devices have great potential for good, but like most technology, there's also the potential that those with the intent to do harm will use them to destructive ends. With appropriate scrutiny and preparation, drones can alter our future for good, without disrupting our security.
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman
Trenton
New Jersey's energy future is at risk and the impacts of climate change are already threatening our state. Currently, we are at a crossroads, as the NJ Board of Public Utilities prepares the state's Energy Master Plan. It is up to the BPU to listen to the public and develop an EMP that is in the best interest of all.
I believe that our energy choices drive our economic future. We need to move from dirty fuel sources to clean energy and invest more in energy efficiency.
All around the nation, we see how clean energy is taking us forward: it reduces air pollution, improves health outcomes, it's affordable and it creates jobs.
NJ's EMP can provide us with the opportunity to make clean energy a priority - as well as energy efficiency. Adopting binding and ambitious energy savings standards will have the biggest impact on reducing carbon pollution while strengthening our economy and saving money for families and businesses.
I encourage BPU to create a forward-looking plan that incorporates moving from coal to clean energy and investing in energy efficiency solutions, so that New Jersey can position itself as a leader.
Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson
Hamilton
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