HB24-1235 "Bad Not Just for Colorado Aviation, But as a Precedent Nationwide"

The Colorado Pilots Association has called upon its members, friends, and stakeholders throughout the state to push back on the imposition of HB24-1235, "Reduce Aviation Impacts on Communities" in its current form.

They contend that the "bill would be bad not just for Colorado aviation, but as a precedent nationwide," thanks to stipulations that are decidedly unfriendly to aviation as a whole. The bill has a handful of elements and grant establishing mechanisms nestled inside that could very easily be used to stifle aviation operations and further regulate smaller airfields into oblivion, particularly in areas with already contentious neighbors. What's slightly odd is that the Association isn't quite hoping that everyone comes together to fight off the bill's passage, instead hoping for a strange approach: They would like everyone to push for the bill to be amended, and not opposed.

"CPA is supporting CABA in its efforts to amend the bill, and we believe those efforts are working, but we won’t know how well until at least March 1," said the group. The bill is tentatively scheduled to be heard on the afternoon of March 6th before the Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee. "Since the bill has a good chance of passing, it’s important we continue to work cooperatively toward the best language possible. That is why our position is that the bill must be Amended, and we recommend not opposing the bill (yet)."

"That said, the committee needs to see and hear that aviation has many supporters, more than the opponents complaining about lead and noise. Committee staff are counting. If our many voices are heard, we will have more leverage in obtaining a more acceptable bill. Tell them you support aviation and support the incentives in the bill to help airports and aircraft owners handle the transition to unleaded avgas. Tell them other sections of the bill as introduced would be disastrous for aviation and not effective at controlling noise or lead. Tell them the aviation community is already working toward a safe transition to unleaded fuels. Tell them to consider CABA’s recommended amendments to the bill, and to accept amendments offered by sponsors which solve some problematic aspects of the bill. Generally these messages are counted, not read, so keep it brief." 

The group has a list of addresses to communicate with at the link below.

FMI: www.coloradopilots.org