The Environmental Protection Agency solicited public comment on whether it should issue rules to limit air pollution from the use of leaded aviation gasoline. The EPA will be considering comments from the public and continuing conversations with the FAA and industry about issues associated with potential future emission standards. After comments are received, the EPA will consider whether emissions from aircraft using leaded aviation gasoline cause or contribute to air pollution which may be reasonably anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.
If the EPA determines that lead emissions from these aircraft (piston-engined) cause or contribute to air pollution which may be reasonably anticipated to endanger public health or welfare, the EPA would be required, in consultation with the FAA, to establish standards to control the emissions of lead from these aircraft. The FAA would also be required to establish standards for the composition of piston-engine aircraft fuel to control lead emissions.
According to the EPA, the U.S. has made tremendous progress in reducing lead concentrations in outdoor air, with average concentrations of lead in air decreasing 91 percent between 1980 and 2008, with much of the improvement as a result of the phase-out of lead in motor vehicle gasoline.
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