Prohibits an airport operator or aviation retail establishment from selling, distributing, or otherwise making available leaded aviation gasoline to consumers on or after January first, two thousand thirty-one.
If enacted, S05440 will directly influence the environmental conservation laws in New York. The bill introduces a new title 13 to Article 19 of the Environmental Conservation Law, establishing a framework that restricts the use of leaded aviation gasoline. This change is intended to reduce environmental pollution and protect the health of communities near airports and aviation facilities, which can often suffer from elevated lead levels due to aviation fuel combustion. The legislation is expected to promote cleaner alternatives to aviation fuel, encouraging innovation and investment in environmentally friendly technologies.
Bill S05440 aims to prohibit the sale, distribution, or availability of leaded aviation gasoline by airport operators and aviation retail establishments in the state of New York. The bill sets a clear deadline for compliance, with the prohibition taking effect on January 1, 2031. Given the known adverse health effects of lead exposure, the legislation is positioned as a public health measure aimed at reducing pollutants associated with aviation fuel. This move aligns New York with federal air quality standards designed to protect citizens from harmful substances.
While the bill is primarily supported for its public health implications, there may be potential points of contention among stakeholders in the aviation industry. Some airport operators and aviation fuel suppliers may argue that the transition away from leaded gasoline could incur additional costs or logistical challenges in procuring alternative fuels. Furthermore, there might be concerns regarding the availability of suitable replacements for leaded gasoline. However, the bill contains provisions to exempt operators from certain federal grant assurances, suggesting a recognition of these challenges and a willingness to support a smoother transition.