EPA taking comments on leaded general aviation fuel
May 6, 2010, 08:30 pm
The Environmental Protection Agency is taking comments regarding a petition filed by a group regarding leaded gasoline used in general aviation aircraft.
Friends of the Earth submitted the Petition to the EPA in 2006 asking it to investigate the potential harm leaded jet fuel poses to public health. People interested in commenting have until June 28 to contact the agency regarding its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.
As a result of the findings, the EPA may mandate that leaded fuels be no longer used in general aviation aircraft. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the agency would also have to create a plan to find an alternative to these fuels that would support the industry.
"This is particularly important given the technical complexity and safety implications of removing lead from aviation gasoline since there is not a high-octane replacement unleaded avgas available today that meets the requirements of the entire GA fleet," the GAMA said.
While lead is being examined by the EPA, members of the airline industry are looking into fuel alternatives that would help reduce environmental impacts and the country's dependence on foreign oil. United Airlines recently flew a plane that was powered by a combination of natural gas and jet fuel.
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