The Federal Aviation Administration has granted 8 more permits for the use of commercial drones. It total it has now granted 24 such exemptions, out of a total 324 applications for permits. Many industry observers believe the restrictions cause the US to lose ground in a very fast growing high tech market, with loss of jobs and tax revenue. Australia, Germany and Canada have together granted hundreds of commercial drone use permits.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/02/03/us-usa-faa-drones-idUSKBN0L721Y20150203