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Opening Statement of Chairman Ro Khanna: Hearing on “Toxic Air: How Leaded Aviation Fuel Is Poisoning America’s Children”

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In a July 2022 congressional hearing, Chairman Ro Khanna highlighted the health dangers of leaded aviation fuel (Avgas) still used in small general aviation aircraft, noting that children near airports in communities of color face blood lead levels exceeding those seen during the Flint water crisis. The statement criticizes the FAA and EPA for failing to act urgently on phasing out leaded fuel, despite the existence of viable unleaded alternatives, and accuses oil companies and aviation industry groups of deliberately delaying the transition. Khanna calls on federal agencies to accelerate approval of lead-free fuel options, involve affected communities in decision-making, and use infrastructure funding to support the switch to unleaded aviation fuel.

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Opening statement by Chairman Ro Khanna (House Committee on Oversight and Reform) for the July 28, 2022 hearing on leaded aviation fuel (Avgas) and its health impacts on children. Covers blood lead levels in East San Jose near Reid-Hillview Airport exceeding Flint, Michigan 2014 crisis levels; FAA delay in approving unleaded alternative fuel (George Braly’s GAMI G100UL); 94UL fuel by Chris D’Acosta; EAGLE Initiative phaseout timeline by 2030; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) opposition to Santa Clara County local Avgas ban; EPA ruling on Avgas as public health danger; $15 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law airport funding; testimony from Maricela Lechuga and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez; 20,000 general aviation airports; 16 million people and 3 million children within 1 km of Avgas airports; environmental justice and communities of color.

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