EPA Releases Final Determination on Leaded Fuels, Rep. Neguse Urges Swift Implementation of New Standards

Lafayette, CO — Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final determination that emissions from leaded aviation fuel cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare under the Clean Air Act. The EPA’s announcement followed a letter Rep. Neguse led to the agency encouraging the prompt release of its Endangerment Study on Leaded Aviation Fuel —read HERE. 

“Under the standards enacted by the Clean Air Act, the EPA is obligated to propose new standards to protect our communities from the serious threat of lead pollution from aircrafts. For years, schools, neighborhoods, community centers, and households located near General Aviation Airports – like the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) near my district – have been continuously exposed to this pollution. With the science clearer than ever, we must act quickly to stop the use of leaded aviation fuels and protect our communities,” said Congressman Neguse. 

Rep. Neguse has repeatedly urged Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (RMMA) to address community concerns regarding the airport. Following these community-based conversations, RMMA announced earlier this month that they plan to accelerate their transition to unleaded fuel to three years ahead of the FAA’s current 2030 deadline. However, given the final determination, both the FAA and EPA are working to consider regulatory options to immediately address lead emissions from aircraft engines and plan to announce timelines as soon as possible. Read more HERE. 

The lead that is found in some aviation fuels can adversely affect the nervous system, kidney function, immune system, reproductive and developmental systems, and the cardiovascular system, and it's particularly harmful to young children. 

Background 

In July, Congressman Joe Neguse submitted nine amendments to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, all of which would address common aviation concerns, including reducing noise pollution and increasing the use of unleaded fuel. Rep. Neguse has also led several efforts to reduce airplane noise pollution in his district. In September, Colorado Representatives Neguse and Pettersen called on the FAA and RMMA imploring them to take immediate action to mitigate significant noise pollution that is inundating local communities. Over the years, the Congressman put forth legislation, led letters, and held a town hall to tackle this challenge, and he has urged the FAA to send a representative to Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport’s Community Noise Roundtable meetings to ensure the FAA understands the seriousness of this issue. 

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