Hank Johnson: “Aviation is the only segment of transportation still using leaded fuels. The health impacts of leaded fuels are…”

“Aviation is the only segment of transportation still using leaded fuels. The health impacts of leaded fuels are well-documented up to this point and the aviation industry writ large has been making a good-faith effort to transition to unleaded fuels. The FAA closely regulates the availability of fuels at public airports because it is a critical element to flight safety. The underlying bill text, as well as the manager's amendment offered by Chairman Graves and the ranking member, clarifies the fuel availability requirements at airports in line with the aviation industry timeline for transitioning away from leaded fuels. This amendment is confusingly written, and it is unnecessary. Unlike what the summary claims, it would reduce airports' flexibility to meet the FAA's requirements for fuel availability. Specifically, it would narrow the types of unleaded fuels that airports are required to provide under the bill. Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment and urge all Members to do the same. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”