Hello NMPA members and friends,
We encourage you to contact your Legislators regarding aviation legislation. Find My Legislator - NM (nmlegis.gov). For bills in committee, consider sending comments directly to bill sponsors and committee members. You can also join committee hearings via Zoom and participate with comments or just listen. Just attending is helpful! They usually ask how many support/oppose to assess interest.
Find contact info: Find My Legislator - NM (nmlegis.gov). You can look up your district: Find District by Address
NMPA members continue to express concern for the proposed ban on leaded AvGas. Although NMPA pilots are anxious for broad availability of unleaded fuel, the main concern is ensuring a full replacement is readily available statewide before we forbid unleaded fuel sales. We're also concerned that banning AvGas will put New Mexico in a negative spotlight, portraying NM as unfriendly to GA, countering our efforts to attract aviation tourism. For the latest on “Getting the Lead Out”, see AOPA’s page: https://www.aopa.org/advocacy/100-unleaded-avgas
SB 238 No Aviation Fuel with Lead Sales: "RELATING TO AVIATION; PROHIBITING THE SALE OF AVIATION FUEL THAT CONTAINS LEAD BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 2028." SB238 details
2/15 Health Committee Meeting Debrief: Tom Chandler, our AOPA Regional Manager gave good factual testimony and gracefully opposed the bill proposed by fellow pilot and AOPA member Senator Soules. Sen Soules explained that although the industry goal is to convert by 2030, he believes it will take laws like this to attain the goal. Good questions were asked by Committee Members including why NM should be the first state to ban the fuel. If you tried to join by Zoom -- I neglected to explain that times may be delayed until 30 minutes after the floor session ends. It started 2 hrs late.
You can view all committee meetings later via the WebCast Recordings. Advance to the second bill discussed.
HB 77 Meteorological Tower Paint & Markings: RELATING TO AVIATION; REQUIRING STANDARDS FOR THE PAINTING AND MARKING OF CERTAIN METEOROLOGICAL EVALUATION TOWERS; PROVIDING A PENALTY.
This bill requires painting of meteorological evaluation towers, structures that stand > 50’ AGL and <200’ AGL, associated with development or study of wind-powered power generation. These have been reported as appearing with no markings.
It is supported by the NMDOT Aviation Division. It got a DoPass from the House Commerce and Econ Dev Committee. House Judiciary Committee reviews next (not scheduled).
No changes on other key Aviation bills from info previously communicated as follows: NM Airport managers request our support for the first two listed.
- SB104 Airport Infrastructure Funding, $314 million. A substitute bill got a DO PASS in Transportation Committee. Next Step is Senate Finance Committee, not yet scheduled. Here are 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 Affairs Committee. On to Senate Transportation Committee, unscheduled. SB75 - NM Legislature (nmlegis.gov)
Let us know your thoughts at nmpa@nmpilots.org.
Joyce Woods
On behalf of the Board & Advocacy Committee
New Mexico Pilots Association
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