Secretary Bernhardt Signs Order Grounding Interior's Drone Fleet for Non-Emergency Operations

01/29/2020
Last edited 08/22/2024

Wednesday, January 29, 2020 
Contact: interior_press@ios.doi.gov  

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt signed Secretary's Order 3379 ordering the temporary cessation of non-emergency unmanned aircraft systems fleet operations.

DOI spokesperson, Carol Danko, said: 

"Drones are important to critical Department of the Interior missions, such as combating wildfires and conducting life-saving search and rescue operations; however, we must ensure that the technology used for these operations is such that it will not compromise our national security interests. After an ongoing review of Interior’s drone program, Secretary Bernhardt issued a Secretary’s Order today, affirming the temporary cessation of non-emergency drones while we ensure that cybersecurity, technology and domestic production concerns are adequately addressed. Drone use for non-emergency operations will remain grounded while the Department of the Interior reviews the possibility of threats and ensures a secure, reliable and consistent drone policy that advances our mission while keeping America safe. Drone operations will continue to be allowed in approved situations for emergency purposes, such as fighting wildfires, search and rescue and dealing with natural disasters that may threaten life or property."

 

  • Press Release
    Huge elevator shafts transport mine crews, supplies and equipment underground at the Doe Run Mine in Southeastern Missouri.
    04/18/2025

    Trump Administration Adds Key Mining Projects to FAST-41

    In support of President Donald J. Trump’s directive to accelerate domestic critical mineral production, the Department of the Interior is taking steps to streamline permitting processes and improve federal accountability by working with Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council to add critical minerals infrastructure projects to the FAST-41 program. 

    Read more
  • Press Release
    Sec Burgum visits border at New Mexico
    04/15/2025

    Secretary Doug Burgum Visits Southern Border in New Mexico

    Secretary Burgum met with U.S. Border Patrol and Bureau of Land Management personnel at the Santa Teresa Station, in New Mexico, where the Department of the Interior is transferring federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border to the Department of the Army to advance President Donald J. Trump's directive to secure the southern border.

    Read more

Was this page helpful?

Please provide a comment