Skip to main content

REP LIEU STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF LIEU AMENDMENT IN FAA REAUTHORIZATION BILL

October 3, 2018

WASHINGTON—Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed the FAA Reauthorization Bill, which includes provisions to reduce noise pollution and an amendment authored by Mr. Lieu. This amendment will require the National Research Council to write a report assessing the existence of non-leaded fuels that can be used by piston-powered planes. The report will also include information on ambient lead levels near airports where piston-powered aircraft are used and recommendations to reduce those levels.

"I am glad we're able to make strides in addressing noise pollution from planes. The bill includesa study on the health impacts of overflight noise in six metropolitan areas including Southern California and a requirement that the FAA considers ways to address community noise concerns when changing departure procedures. We're also guaranteeing that our government is responsive to the public by creating a system where communities can contact FAA regional officials directly and share aircraft and noise pollution concerns.

I am also pleased that the final bill includes my amendment to address lead pollution. Many of my constituents, particularly those in neighborhoods around the Santa Monica Airport, have expressed concerns over the local environmental impact of leaded aviation fuel. This report will be critical to the development of non-leaded aviation gasoline and, as a result, will reduce lead pollution for those living near airports."

Background on the Lieu Amendment:

Directs the National Research Council of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study and develop a report on aviation gasoline. The study shall include an assessment of:

  • Existing non-leaded fuel alternative to the aviation gasoline used by piston-powered general aviation aircraft;
  • Ambient Pb (lead) concentrations at and around airports where piston-powered general aviation aircraft are used; and
  • Mitigation measures to reduce ambient Pb concentrations, including:
    • Increasing the size of run-up areas
    • Relocating run-up areas
    • Imposing restrictions on aircraft using aviation gasoline
    • Increasing the use of motor gasoline in piston-powered general aviation aircraft

The Secretary of Transportation shall submit the National Research Council report to Congress within 1 year of enactment of the bill.

###