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SB 79

UNLEADED AVIATION FUEL GRANT PROGRAM

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Soules

New Mexico bill creates grant program to fund airports' conversion from leaded to unleaded aviation fuel, addressing aviation's remaining lead emissions source.

action postponed indefinitely
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Bill Summary · SB 79

Legislative bill overview

SB 79 establishes a grant program in New Mexico to support the transition to unleaded aviation fuel at public airports and aviation facilities. The bill allocates state funds to help cover infrastructure costs and fuel conversion expenses as the aviation industry moves away from leaded avgas (100LL), which contains tetraethyl lead.

Why is this important

Leaded aviation fuel is one of the last remaining sources of atmospheric lead emissions in the United States, with documented health risks including neurological effects. This bill addresses environmental and public health concerns by incentivizing adoption of unleaded alternatives, while also helping the aviation industry manage the costs of this transition during a period of regulatory uncertainty.

Potential points of contention

  • State funding priorities: Whether New Mexico should use limited state funds for aviation industry support versus other public needs like education or healthcare
  • Market readiness: Questions about whether unleaded avgas alternatives are sufficiently developed and available to make the transition practical at this stage
  • Cost allocation: Debate over whether grant funding should come from general revenue, aviation-specific fees, or environmental remediation budgets, and how much individual operators should contribute
  • Equity concerns: Whether funding should prioritize rural airports serving smaller communities versus larger commercial facilities, and whether private versus public operators receive equal treatment

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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