November 7, 2023

Los Angeles, CA – Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath to reduce, and eventually eliminate, the sale of leaded fuel at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. In October, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released an “endangerment finding” for leaded aviation fuel.  

Today’s motions directs the Department of Public Works (DPW) to report back in 90 days with a plan to increase the use and availability of unleaded fuel and to eventually restrict the sale of leaded fuel at Whiteman Airport, managed by LA County. The motion also directs DPW to explore reconfiguration of the runway, and an airport curfew to improve neighborhood health and quality of life. 

“Residents of Pacoima deserve a good quality of life in their neighborhood, including clean air and an assessment of the impacts of the emissions from leaded aviation fuel to which the community surrounding Whiteman has been exposed,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “We can’t wait for the aviation industry and federal regulation to take necessary steps to better protect community health today when we know leaded aviation fuel is unquestionably harmful. The time to act is now, and I am grateful for the partnership of Councilmember Rodriguez and Congressman Cardenas to ensure we are working together for the benefit of the community.” 

 The motion also directs the Department of Public Health to assess existing and available blood lead level data and air quality monitoring data surrounding Whiteman Airport to make recommendations to further characterize ambient lead levels in the surrounding area in coordination with the California Department of Public Health.  

Supervisor Horvath is committed to working with Pacoima community stakeholders to reimagine a healthy, community-centered future for Whiteman Airport.  

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