Outdoors/Adventure

Sen. Murkowski writes EPA about regulation of leaded aviation fuel

On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting that increased regulation of leaded aviation gas be crafted in partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition, the senior senator asked that "no changes be implemented until an alternative aviation fuel can be developed and tested," according to a press release from Murkowski's office.

In the letter, the senator mentioned that "over 95 percent of Alaskan aircraft are piston engine aircraft that burn leaded aviation fuel." Consequently, she worries that an immediate ban of leaded gas would lead to "severe economic and social impacts to communities across Alaska," according to the press release.

About two weeks ago, Sen. Begich sent a letter to the EPA in which he described similar concerns.

Alaska is home to more than 10,000 registered piston engine aircraft. Murkowski estimates that an increase in leaded fuel regulation could lead to the engine modification or grounding of approximately 30 percent of the piston engine fleet.

Bush Pilot has been covering this issue. Here's an earlier story and here's an editorial written by a local pilot. Read Murkowski's letter here, and the press release is here.

Contact Andrew Rubenstein at andrew(at)alaskadispatch.com.

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