As drones multiply in number and category, cities and states want to set boundaries. But push back to statewide regulations is coming from the lobbying efforts of a budding industry that hopes to influence policy at the state Capitol and nationwide.
Drone manufacturers and associations this legislative session boosted their politicking, successfully beating back several bills they said would create a patchwork of laws that vary by state and hinder innovation.
DJI Technology Co. and Go Pro, a body-wearable camera maker working on its own drone, doled out more than $125,000 for the first time to hire lobbying firms. And even Google and Amazon have added the unmanned machines to their lobbying priorities.
