Controversial Push for Leaded Aviation Fuel: In a concerning turn of events, proposed bills at the national level are stirring controversy by pushing for the mandatory sale of leaded aviation fuel, known as avgas, at all public airports. This move, if enacted, could overturn local bans, such as the one in Santa Clara County, where avgas sales were banned due to its well-known environmental and health risks.
For Marcela Lechuga, a neighborhood activist near Reid-Hillview Airport, this issue hits close to home. “This is a personal challenge for me, a very difficult topic,” she expressed. “I would feel very disillusioned if they were able to force us to sell leaded fuel because it would be a huge step backward.”
Currently, there are two bills in the Senate and House advocating for mandatory avgas sales at all public airports, even those like Santa Clara County airports that ceased selling the harmful fuel as of January 2022. Supervisor Cindy Chavez is determined to prevent the reversal of the county’s efforts at the national level. “I’m asking the Santa Clara County administration to continue working at the federal level to stop attempts of the federal government to make leaded fuel mandatory,” she asserted.
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The proposed bills have sparked concerns among residents, who fear the potential health risks associated with leaded fuel. Supervisor Chavez’s referral aims to address this by calling for county staff to lobby for nationwide availability of unleaded fuel, facilitating a smoother transition away from avgas. Additionally, the referral emphasizes planning efforts for the Reid-Hillview site once the airport closes in 2031.
Chavez firmly stated, “We in this community will not go back. We do not want our children poisoned by lead or our communities poisoned by lead.” However, aviation expert Walter Gyger contends that until unleaded fuel becomes widely available and compatible with all aircraft, the mandatory sale of avgas remains a practical necessity.
“It makes absolutely no sense to leave a number of airplanes stranded without the availability of leaded fuel,” Gyger argued. “It’s a small number, agreed, but it just creates a lot of problems.” The Board of Supervisors is set to vote on the referral, and the community watches anxiously as the debate unfolds.
Our Reader’s Queries
What was the leaded fuel controversy?
Lead has been found to have toxic effects, particularly on children. In vehicles that are not meant to run on leaded gasoline, the catalyst in catalytic converters can become coated with lead and lead oxides, rendering them useless. This can also cause spark plugs to become fouled. It is important to be aware of the potential dangers of lead and take necessary precautions to avoid exposure.
What are the concerns with using leaded aircraft fuel?
Exposure to lead can severely impact cognitive function, leading to a decrease in IQ, poor academic performance, and an increased risk of other health issues. It’s important to note that there is no safe threshold for lead exposure, meaning that even small amounts can have detrimental effects on cognition.
What is wrong with leaded fuel?
Leaded petrol has been responsible for the highest exposure to lead globally. It has contaminated air, dust, soil, drinking water, and food crops, leading to dangerously high levels of lead in human blood, particularly in children (1).
Why did they stop making leaded fuel?
In 1975, the use of leaded gasoline in vehicles was prohibited due to its harmful effects on catalytic converters. However, it is still permitted for use in aircraft, racing cars, farm equipment, and marine engines. Despite its ban in vehicles, leaded gasoline continues to be used in certain industries.