Last week, NATA led a coalition of six business and general aviation associations in urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign state legislation curbing decades of aviation revenue diversion by the state. Passed unanimously by the California State Senate and Assembly, SB 661 would take a positive step toward compliance with federal requirements that state and local aviation fuel taxes remain within the aviation system. “We appreciate the bill’s balanced support of the entire civil aviation sector and airport system, both commercial and general aviation, which is essential to critical public services, local economies, and effective airport and airspace management,” the coalition wrote in a letter requesting Newsom’s signature on S.B 661.
The diversion of jet fuel taxes into the California general fund has put FAA support for California airports at risk, but NATA has worked with California State Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) to advance legislation redirecting some of those funds to the airport system, while ensuring the state’s 214 general aviation airports are included. Gov. Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto the legislation; if he takes no action, the bill will become law. Read the full letter by NATA, AOPA, EAA, GAMA, NBAA, and VAI here.