A proposed bill in the Massachusetts state senate that would have established a $1,000 landing fee for general aviation in the state has been grounded. Sen. Julian Cyr (D), sponsor of the legislation, told AIN, “The state’s Committee on Transportation reported the bill to study on September 2, which effectively means it will not be advancing any further in this legislative session.”
Before being tabled, Cyr said he planned to extensively revise the measure when it came before the relevant committee. The fee was proposed ostensibly to reduce carbon emissions generated by what he sees as “luxury aircraft owned by the ultra-wealthy.” From feedback he received from aviation advocates, it’s “clear that more exemptions should be included, such as prorating the fee based on the size of the aircraft,” Cyr told AIN.
NBAA opposed the bill, pointing out that the aviation industry has set aggressive climate goals and has made significant investments in sustainable aviation fuel. The association also contended that the proposal violates federal law. “Grant-obligated airports must keep the revenue from landing fees for airport funding, and the proposed bill aimed to direct money to another fund,” NBAA said.