Hello NMPA members and friends,
You may want to contact your Representatives and Senators regarding aviation legislation. Find My Legislator - NM (nmlegis.gov). If you don't know, you can look up your district by address: District LOOK UP While issues are still in committee, you might focus comments to those committee members. You can join any committee hearings via Zoom which allows you to offer commentary or just to listen. Participation is good since they always ask how many in support or not, including on ZOOM.
A Senate bill to ban leaded fuel by January 1, 2028 is of concern to many of our members.
- SB 238 No Aviation Fuel with Lead Sales: "RELATING TO AVIATION; PROHIBITING THE SALE OF AVIATION FUEL THAT CONTAINS LEAD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2028."
An NMDOT Analysis indicates the federal push is for 2030. AOPA is opposing this bill. Although NMPA pilots are anxious for unleaded fuel, our concern is ensuring that an alternative full replacement unleaded fuel will be readily available throughout NM before we forbid the sale of leaded fuel. When it goes to the Senate Transportation committee, practicality arguments may be better addressed. Track continued bill progress here: SB238 - NM Legislature (nmlegis.gov)
Update on previously communicated Bills: Note the NM Airport managers request our support for the first two aviation funding bills.
- HB78 Aviation Fund GRT (remove a sunset clause, establish increased (2X) and more stable funding stream for state Aviation Division) HB78 Aviation Fund Sunset - Info House PASSED. Sent to Senate Transportation Committee, not yet scheduled.
- SB104 Airport Infrastructure Funding, $314 million. A substitute bill got a DO PASS in Transportation Committe. Next Step is Senate Finance Committee, not yet scheduled. Airport Manager Association Talking Points. This is based on taking advantage of available funds to catch up on the backlog of airport improvements identified statewide. This is a huge ask but could address long standing needs. DOWNLOAD current SB104 (substitute)
- SB75 Sale of Unleaded Fuel at Airports shall not be prohibited. Passed Senate Health & Public Affiars Committee. On to Senate Transportation Committee, unscheduled. SB75 - NM Legislature (nmlegis.gov)
- Preserving Santa Rosa Peak Airfield Joint Resolution - not introduced. Our hopes for transferring ownership to preserve the existing airfield on the L Bar Ranch east of Mt Taylor, now owned by NM Game & Fish will not happen. We learned that the final funding, publicized to take 5 years to pay off, was completed last November. Thus, federal restrictions on land use are locked in and subject to NMDGF interpretation. NMDGF says aviation access is inconsistent with "wildlife associated recreation". Even if we are able to save the airfield, NMDGF restricts usage. There could be non-legislative options to preserve and maintain the airfield.
Joyce Woods
On behalf of the Advocacy Committee
New Mexico Pilots Association
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