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The Federal Aviation Administration announced Monday that six states will host test sites for drones, a major step toward allowing the commercial use of drones in U.S. skies.

The six states chosen by the FAA are Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia, the Associated Press reports.

“These test sites will give us valuable information about how best to ensure the safe introduction of this advanced technology into our nation’s skies,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement.

The FAA does not currently allow the commercial use of drones, though they are in use by the military, law enforcement and for university research. Businesses, farmers and others have been clamoring for new drone regulations from the FAA, which officials say could come as early as the end of 2015.

[AP]