EPA Finalizes Endangerment Finding
for Lead Emissions from Aircraft that
Operate on Leaded Fuel
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Final Action
The EPA has issued a final determination that lead emissions from aircraft engines that operate on
leaded fuel cause or contribute to air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger
public health and welfare under section 231(a) of the Clean Air Act. This final action encompasses
both endangerment and cause or contribute findings, though for convenience, we sometimes refer
to them collectively as the final "endangerment finding." EPA is not at this time proposing or
issuing aircraft engine lead emission standards.
This endangerment finding is informed by many years of EPA investigation of emissions of lead
from aircraft engines operating on leaded fuel and the impact of these emissions on lead air
pollution. EPA issued a proposed endangerment finding last year and considered public input
through a notice and comment process.
The endangerment finding itself does not ban or impose restrictions on the use, sale, distribution,
dispensing, and general availability of leaded fuel, nor does it establish any new control measures
regarding aircraft lead emissions. The endangerment finding also does not impose requirements on
anyone other than EPA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Next Steps
EPA understands that lead emissions from aircraft are an important and urgent public health
issue. With this final finding, EPA is now subject to a duty under the Clean Air Act to propose
and promulgate regulatory standards for lead emissions from certain aircraft engines. Under its
own authority, FAA is also now subject to a duty to develop standards that address the composition
or chemical or physical properties of an aircraft fuel or fuel additive to control or eliminate aircraft
lead emissions.
EPA and FAA are committed to working together and with the full range of stakeholders as the
Agencies develop their regulatory actions. EPA and FAA take seriously the objective of maintaining
aviation safety and recognize that piston-engine aircraft play a significant role in transportation in the
United States. There will be opportunities for the public to share their thoughts and concerns during
any future rulemaking process. EPA and FAA will announce regulatory timelines as soon as possible.
Separate from EPA's endangerment finding, in support of the objective to remove lead from
aviation gasoline, in early 2022, the FAA and industry announced the program "Eliminate Aviation
Gasoline Lead Emissions" (EAGLE). The FAA industry partnership encompasses fuel producers and
distributors, airport operators, engine and aircraft manufacturers, communities that support general
aviation airports, and environmental stakeholders. Together, the group aims to achieve a lead-free
aviation system no later than 2030. The FAA has approved the use of a 100 Octane unleaded fuel
(G100UL) that can be widely used by piston-engine fleet, that is not yet commercially available. The
FAA has also approved for use a lower octane fuel (UL 94), currently available at approximately 35
airports in the U.S., and the FAA is working to expand and streamline the process for eligible aircraft
to use this fuel. Further, the FAA is working with the industry to identify and authorize for use other
viable high octane unleaded aviation gasoline options. Additional information regarding the FAA's
unleaded aviation gasoline activities can be found here.
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For More Information
You can access the final endangerment finding on EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality
website:
www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehic.les-and-engines/regulations-lead-emissions-
aircraft
For more information, contact the EPA, Office of Transportation and Air Quality at:
E-mail: aircraft.lea d@epa. gov
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