Unleaded Avgas Transition/HB1235 Implementation

Unleaded Aviation Fuel Transition Header Image

In May 2024, HB24-1235, “Reduce Aviation Impacts on Communities,” was signed into law. The legislation incentivizes the transition to unleaded aviation fuels in Colorado and establishes new requirements for certain airports located in densely populated areas or with significant flight activity over nearby residential communities. To remain eligible for discretionary grants, these airports must now submit additional information to the Division of Aeronautics. As outlined in the bill, the Division has identified five airports subject to these requirements: Centennial, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan, Erie Municipal, Boulder Municipal, and Longmont/Vance Brand.

Specifically, the bill:

  • Provides that the Division set aside the lesser of 10% or $1.5 million of the approved annual discretionary grant program amount for projects that facilitate the transition to unleaded aviation fuel (avgas)
  • Directs the Division to share information with airports about the transition to unleaded avgas
  • Requires the five airports above to develop, publish, communicate, and submit to the Division voluntary noise abatement programs, in order to be eligible for discretionary Division grant funding
  • Requires that these five airports submit to the Division a written unleaded avgas transition plan no later than January 1, 2026, to be eligible for Division grant funding
  • Provides aircraft owners with a state income tax deduction for 50% of the cost of obtaining an unleaded avgas supplemental type certificate (STC), if needed for their aircraft to use unleaded avgas, starting in the 2025 tax year

The Division has fully implemented its provisions of HB24-1235, and the following links provide information related to the bill’s implementation: