Blog | Congressman Waxman Urges FAA To Remove Lead From Aviation Gas

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Los Angeles) urges the Federal Aviation Administration to, "accelerate efforts to reduce lead emissions from general aviation."

In his letter (see attached PDF) Waxman reasonably points out to the FAA why the Unleaded Avgas Transition Aviation Rulemaking Committee's extended time-frame is, "simply too long, given the certain and serious harms to human health..."

On behalf of the Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution, I applaud Congressman Waxman and his staff for sending this very well written letter. The FAA should now follow up on Waxman's recommendations to expand the use of unleaded fuel in a more timely fashion considering how lead affects public health.

I now must ask what is being done at the national level to address the toxic emissions from the jets at Santa Monica Airport that blow over and into the hundreds of downwind homes? Several studies have measured enormous amounts of pollution in the residential neighborhoods coming from jet operations.

I urge Congressman Waxman, Congresswoman Karen Bass, and our California Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to make Santa Monica Airport's effects on public health and safety a priority issue.

The Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution believes that the correct way to fully and fairly solve all the issues surrounding Santa Monica Airport  is to close the airport.