Bill Increases Fuel Taxes In Lieu Of User Fees

The NBAA welcomed Thursday's passage of a reauthorization package for the FAA by the full U.S. Senate, which supports continued aviation system modernization.

The bill, titled the "FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act," provides funding for modernization efforts in part by building on the proven, efficient general aviation fuel tax mechanism, rather than imposing new, onerous user fees. The legislation mirrors previous modernization proposals supported by NBAA, in that it increases the jet-fuel tax from 22 to 36 cents per-gallon to help fund system transformation."

"We commend the Senate for taking action early in this legislative session to strengthen our nation's aviation system," NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. "As Congress continues to consider FAA reauthorization, we will stand with the rest of the general aviation community in supporting modernization through an increase in the fuel tax in lieu of new user fees. Fuel taxes are a proven, efficient and reliable means for general aviation to help fund the transformation to a Next Generation system."

Bolen added that the approach taken in the Senate legislation will ensure the acceleration toward a "NextGen" aviation system, thereby expanding system capacity, enhancing safety and further reducing the industry's environmental footprint.

"All aviation, including business aviation, is a vital link in our transportation system and a powerful economic engine," Bolen continued. "This legislation recognizes the need to preserve aviation system modernization as a national priority. We look forward to working with Congress and the Administration to keep America's aviation system the safest, largest and most efficient in the world."

FMI: www.nbaa.org