Local Resident Appointed to Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force

A China Township resident has been appointed to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Task Force. Justin L. Morren, the Plant Director of the DTE Blue Water Energy Center, who holds a mechanical engineering degree from Pennsylvania State, was chosen as a “member who is knowledgeable about the operation of public utilities, who represents public utilities in the Lower Peninsula”. He was nominated by the chairman of the Public Service Commission to fill a vacancy from a member who resigned. His term began last week and goes until July of 2022. 

Scott Baldwin, of Fort Gratiot, is also on the Task Force. He represents county sheriffs and was nominated by the President of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association. His term expires in July of 2022 as well. As drones become more common and are used by everyone from photographers to law enforcement agencies to twelve-year-old kids, their impact on public safety and security is under review. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Task Force was formed in 2016 in Michigan to address the “commercial and private uses of UAS, landowner and privacy rights, general rules and regulations for safe UAS operations.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.