WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 82

UNLEADED AVIATION FUEL GRANT PROGRAM

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Soules

New Mexico SB 82 establishes a grant program funding the transition from leaded to unleaded aviation fuel at airports and fuel suppliers statewide.

action postponed indefinitely
#aviation&railroads
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 82

Legislative bill overview

SB 82 establishes a grant program in New Mexico to support the transition to unleaded aviation fuel. The bill provides financial assistance to aviation fuel suppliers, airports, and potentially aircraft operators to help them adopt and distribute unleaded fuel alternatives to traditional leaded avgas.

Why is this important

Leaded aviation fuel remains one of the last major sources of airborne lead emissions in the U.S., with documented health impacts particularly affecting communities near airports. This grant program aims to accelerate the market shift toward unleaded alternatives, which has been slower in aviation than in automobile fuel due to technical certification challenges and infrastructure costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and state budget impact: The bill's fiscal requirements and whether grant funding comes from general revenue, dedicated sources, or federal matching funds remain unclear from the summary provided
  • Industry feasibility: Questions about whether unleaded fuel alternatives are sufficiently certified and available at scale to make grants effective, or if this is premature before broader FAA approval timelines
  • Geographic fairness: Potential debate over which airports and fuel suppliers receive grants and whether selection criteria adequately address rural versus urban aviation needs

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

Sign in to ask a question.