Rep. Lieu Adds Noise and Lead Emission Provisions to FAA Reauthorization Bill

May 2, 2018

The following press release addressing aviation noise and lead emissions was issued by Rep. Ted Lieu of California on 4/27/18. It can be accessed on-line at https://lieu.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-lieu-statement-passage-faa-reauthorization-bill-including-lieu.

Currently piston engine general aviation aircraft emit more than 50 percent of all airborne lead pollution in the U.S. In addition general aviation aircraft are responsible for oft-times relentless noise intrusions caused in large part by student pilots and general aviation hobbyists. For additional information on the costs and impacts of the flight training industry see other articles on the Oregon Aviation Watch website.

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

April 27, 2018
Press Release

WASHINGTON--Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives 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 this bill will address noise pollution from planes. The bill includes a study on the health impacts of overflight noise in six metropolitan areas including Southern California, a requirement that the FAA consider changing departure procedure for communities dealing with increased noise, and a pilot program at airports to mitigate aircraft noise. I am also pleased that this bill includes my amendment to address lead pollution, which concerns many of my constituents, particularly those in neighborhoods around the Santa Monica Airport. This report will be critical to the development of non-leaded aviation gasoline and as a result reduce lead pollution in communities 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.