Critics of local airports are hailing legislation that targets noisy flight patterns over homes and schools and the use of leaded fuel in small aircraft as a step forward toward safer aviation practices.
The bill – HB 24-1235 – is backed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser who said in a statement that the proposal uses other means other than regulation to get local airports to make their operations safer for their neighbors.
“Colorado may be unable to regulate flight patterns, but we can use state funds to reward airports that choose to have effective noise plans in place that are approved by the federal government,” Weiser said in his statement. “Colorado may be unable to mandate that aircraft transition to safer unleaded fuel, but we can create funding incentives to encourage that transition.”
Colorado can also ensure that communities impacted by flight noise have a voice and a seat on the state board that administer state grants to airports through HB24-1235, Weiser said.
Finance hearing next
The bill is likely to be challenged by airport lobbying groups as unconstitutional, he said. However, the ideas behind the legislation are thoughtful and reflective. “And, if necessary, I am prepared to defend this bill in court,” Weiser said.
After more than seven hours of testimony Wednesday, the bill passed the state House’s Committee on Transportation, Housing and Local Government and is now headed to the House Finance Committee. A hearing date has not been set yet.
The bill creates a state income tax credit for owners of aircraft who transition from using lead fuel to the unleaded variety. Advocates say aircraft powered by leaded fuel leaves a deadly toxic trail over homes and schools.
According to the legislation, Colorado’s state aviation grant program would give grants to general aviation airports and commercial airports to fund infrastructure changes that allow the sale of unleaded aviation gasoline at those airports.
The state’s aeronautical board would also expand from seven to nine voting members by requiring the appointment of two members who are residents of communities that are affected by general aviation traffic, the bill states.
The bill includes another provision that allows the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to have a non-voting member on the aeronautical board.
Westminster resident Charlene Willey said via email that the bill is a good start toward safeguarding homes near local airports. But it also passed with amendments suggested by the aviation industry, she said.
In her testimony to the house committee, Willey said that operations at nearby Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport have increased by over 80% since 2017.
“That traffic is primarily from lead-spewing piston engine aircraft now estimated to dust our homes, schools and playgrounds with over a ton of lead micro particulates every year,” Willey said.
“Clearly, the community needs help from this legislature to bring this disregard for public welfare under control,” Willey said.