Senator Holds Public Hearing on Pollution From Lead in Aviation Fuel

By Kelly Hartog

Sen. Ted W. Lieu (D-Torrance) will hold a public hearing Wednesday to review pollution risks from lead in aviation gas and explore alternatives. The meeting will be held at the Westchester Municipal Building-Community Room, 7166 Manchester Ave., Westchester, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

“Federal and state agencies have made dramatic progress in reducing lead concentrations from vehicles, a pollutant whose adverse health effects have been long known and undisputed,” Lieu said in a statement. “This year marks the 40th anniversary of the EPA’s decision to phase out lead from automotive gasoline. Unfortunately, lead from airplanes, especially at general aviation airports, continue to expose the public to lead pollution.”

Joining Lieu, chair of the Senate Select Committee on Air Quality, will be several pollution experts, scientists, health officials and aviation officials, including Susan Cline, assistant director of Public Works for the City of Santa Monica and Martin Rubin of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution at Santa Monica Airport. 

Sen. Lieu represents the more than 1 million residents of Senate District 28, which includes (among others) Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.