OAW Endorses Testimony in Support of Removing Lead from Aviation Fuel

May 15, 2015

Oregon Aviation Watch endorses the testimony submitted in support of Senate Joint Memorial 1 (SJM 1). The slide presentation was submitted to the Oregon Senate Committee on Transportation and Economic Development on 4/15/15.

See Testimony in Support of SJM 1 to view the slide presentation.

As noted in the testimony, Oregon Aviation Watch appreciates the acknowledgment in SJM 1 that:

• The operation of general aviation aircraft is the greatest source of lead emissions in Oregon
• Children are especially susceptible to the toxic effects of lead, and that exposure to lead can lead to irreversible brain damage and reduce a persons cognitive function
• Exposure to low levels of lead early in life has been linked to effects on a persons intelligence quotient, learning, memory and behavior
• There is no safe level of exposure to lead.

In light of these serious health impacts, we appreciate SJM 1's support for prioritizing the development and certification of unleaded aviation fuel in advance of 2018.

The full text of SJM 1 is available at https://olis.leg.state.or.us/liz/2015R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SJM1.