Aviation Coalition Supports California Fuel Tax Bill

A coalition of six aviation associations including NATA, AOPA, EAA, GAMA, NBAA, and VAI sent a letter of support for California Senate Bill 661, which would curb decades of aviation fuel tax diversion in the state.

The bill would move California toward compliance with FAA requirements that aviation fuel tax revenue be used solely for aviation purposes, according to the June 24 letter to bill sponsor Sen. Melissa Hurtado (D-California). The associations specifically backed SB 661’s allocation of 20% of revenue to general aviation airports.

“The state’s 214 general aviation airports offer tremendous public benefit, providing essential support for firefighting, disaster relief, medical care, and law enforcement services; enabling local business development and job creation; and providing air transportation in communities without scheduled air service,” the associations wrote.

NATA’s managing director of industry affairs, Juliet Jordan, testified before the California Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee, which advanced the bill unanimously. SB 661 next heads to the Appropriations Committee before consideration by the full assembly.