3:43pm | Councilmember James Johnson’s proposal to have the Council’s Environmental Committee and the Airport Advisory Commission deliberate on the air quality impacts of airplanes in Long Beach, including general aviation aircraft, on neighboring residents was unanimously supported by the Long Beach City Council.
“The time has come to study how we can decrease airport emissions for the health of our residents,” Councilmember Johnson said. “While I am committed to protecting the current flight cap, I believe we need to go further and ensure that the planes that come to Long Beach airport are as clean as possible.”
Recent studies have revealed potential health impacts related to airport emissions for those near the airport. Additionally, a 2008 EPA study listed Long Beach Airport as the second largest emitter of lead pollution for all California airports, and the sixth largest airport emitter of lead in the United States. While the Long Beach Airport has taken great strides to institute environmental reforms to its facilities, improvements in airport emissions require state and federal cooperation, and will be studied by the committees.
The Environmental Protection Agency is currently considering stricter regulations for aviation fuel used by general aviation aircraft at airports throughout the United States.
While lead was eliminated from automotive fuel in 1995, it continues to be used in general aviation fuel. Federal regulations could lead to a decrease in the amount of harmful chemicals such as lead in aviation fuel, benefiting residents near airports throughout the country.