Drone Sightings Near Nuclear Plants: A Mystery Unfolds

In a surprising turn of events, New Jersey's primary utility firm, PSE&G, has reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to halt all air traffic above two of its nuclear power plants. This request comes after mysterious drones were spotted flying over these sensitive sites. Congressman Fred Van Drew (R-NJ) confirmed this news to a media outlet, revealing that the company is understandably concerned about the safety of its nuclear facilities. These drone sightings are a part of a broader phenomenon that has been happening across New Jersey and even in some New York boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The drones spotted over PSE&G's Salem Nuclear Power Plant and the adjacent Hope Creek Generating Station were described as being the size of small SUVs. This is similar to other drones that have been seen in the state's skies. Despite these sightings not occurring over the most sensitive areas of the plants, they were unprecedented. Van Drew highlighted that federal officials have received thousands of reports from residents in New Jersey and New York who have noticed these unmanned aircraft. The mystery deepens as authorities work to uncover more information and quell public concerns. The first reports of drones in New Jersey emerged in mid-November, and since then, state officials have been in contact with various federal agencies, including the White House, FBI, Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense. Governor Phil Murphy wrote a letter to President Joe Biden, expressing that these drones have raised more questions than answers and that the lack of transparency is fueling online speculation. Van Drew expressed his surprise at the outgoing administration's vague responses to these airspace invasions. He stated that they are working closely with the FBI to gather more information and have requested a classified briefing to get answers for the public. Additionally, federal help is on the way in the form of a radar system capable of tracking drone "fingerprints. " The safety of communities and infrastructure is paramount, and authorities are committed to protecting both. A representative from PSE&G declined to comment on the FAA request but acknowledged that they are aware of the drone reports and have contacted the appropriate authorities.