Press Release: 11/3/2026

Sens. Markey, Warren, Reps. McGovern, Trahan Statement on Amazon's Withdrawl of Application to Operate Delivery Drone Program in Central Mass.

 

Boston (November 2, 2026) - Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Lori Trahan (MA-03) released the following statement after Amazon announced withdrawal of its application to launch autonomous delivery drones in Central Massachusetts after the lawmakers joined local communities in raising concerns about the Amazon Prime Air drone delivery program’s impact on the environment and residents’ quality-of-life, including noise pollution, health and safety, and privacy.

“We are glad that following our advocacy, and that of the State Legislative Delegation and local communities in Westborough and surrounding areas, Amazon has withdrawn its application to launch and operate autonomous delivery drones in Central Massachusetts at this time. Communities deserve a say in what happens in their neighborhoods, whether it is on the ground or in the sky, and especially when it comes to matters of quality-of-life, environmental protection, privacy, and public safety. We will continue to closely monitor drone delivery proposals, and make sure residents have a seat at the table.”

On October 14, the lawmakers wrote to Bryan Bedford, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Andy Jassy, Chief Executive Officer of Amazon, urging Amazon to work with the FAA to conduct an Environmental Assessment of its proposed drone delivery facility in Westborough, Massachusetts, before launching operations there.