Congressman Robert Garcia Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Lead Exposure Near Airports
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Robert Garcia (CA-42) and Congressman Jay Obernolte (CA-23) announced the introduction of the bipartisan Cutting Lead Exposure and Aviation Relief (CLEAR) Skies Act to protect the health of communities near airports by reducing harmful lead emissions from aviation fuel and accelerating the transition to unleaded alternatives. The full text of the CLEAR Skies Act can be found here.
“As the former Mayor of Long Beach, we led efforts to create a more sustainable airport and supported federal efforts to lower emissions that impact neighboring communities,” said Congressman Garcia. “Harmful emissions from leaded airplane fuel continue to pollute the air in neighborhoods near airports, putting children and families at risk. This bill will help accelerate the adoption of cleaner and safer aviation fuel.”
"As both a pilot and a representative of a district that is at the forefront of aviation and technological innovation, I'm proud to lead the CLEAR Skies Act alongside Congressman Robert Garcia,” said Congressman Obernolte. “This bill is more than just a commitment to cleaner skies—it is smart policy that drives innovation and safeguards public health. By incentivizing the production of unleaded aviation gasoline, we are not only reducing harmful lead emissions but also empowering American businesses to lead in sustainable aviation technology. It's a win-win for both our environment and our economy.”
The CLEAR Skies Act will support the aviation industry’s transition away from leaded gasoline by creating a federal production tax credit to reduce the cost of unleaded aviation gas. In November 2024, the City of Long Beach approved a new subsidy program of up to $200,000 in reimbursements to offset unleaded fuel costs for general aviation users, funded by airport revenues. The American Association of Airport Executives and Airports Council International – North America have endorsed this bill.
Congressman Garcia has been a strong advocate for climate and environmental justice and is proud to expand investments in sustainable technologies for the future. Last Congress, Congressman Garcia introduced a bill to address port pollution and champion environmental justice for local port communities impacted by shipping emissions. In October, Congressman Garcia sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to add Exide Technologies, Inc. to the National Priorities List (NPL) for a Superfund designation to facilitate a long-term comprehensive cleanup of the affected communities and to secure environmental justice for the residents of Southeast Los Angeles. As Mayor of the City of Long Beach, his signature ballot initiative, Measure A, launched the largest infrastructure repair program in a generation, promoting good-paying union jobs.
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