Oregon lawmakers are looking at a new bill that would prohibit the use of leaded fuels at racetracks in cities with over 500,000 people. This rule would mainly affect Portland, the state’s largest city.
Even though leaded fuel has been banned for regular road use since the 1990s, some racecars still use it because it improves engine performance. However, there are growing concerns about how this fuel can harm both health and the environment.
Representative Travis Nelson, who is championing the bill, has heard from many North Portland residents about the issues surrounding leaded gas at the Portland International Raceway.
“For years, people have raised concerns about leaded gas at PIR,” he said.
During a public hearing, Rep. Nelson referred to a 2023 study that linked lead emissions from the raceway to lower test scores among local children. The research indicated that kids living within two miles of the raceway might see their test scores drop by over six percentage points.
Another report found that leaded fuel has led to a significant increase in mental health issues, affecting over 150 million people across generations, including anxiety and ADHD.
Rep. Nelson emphasized the risks, mentioning that there are 24 elementary schools and daycare centers close to the racetrack. “One child affected by this is one too many,” he stated.
However, some people argue that the bill could harm the racetrack. Supporters of the Portland International Raceway claim there’s no solid evidence that using leaded fuel there increases lead levels in the surrounding air. They noted a study saying lead effects could be felt up to 25 miles away, which makes some lawmakers question the validity of that claim.
Representative Emerson Levy expressed concern about linking test scores and lead levels, suggesting a study from the Department of Environmental Quality showed that lead levels were within safe limits.
The American Economic Association highlighted that while leaded fuel has been allowed in racing, it has had detrimental health impacts on nearby communities.
Many North Portland residents support the bill due to their proximity to the raceway. Still, some, like local resident Lewis Fitzgerald Holland, worry about the impact on smaller racing events that rely on leaded fuel. “These events would disappear if the bill passes,” he noted.
Troy Abercrombie, a local drag racer, claimed that only a few cars use leaded gas and that the emissions from a racing event are minimal. “Even with all cars using leaded race gas, the total burn time is very short,” he explained.
Globally, leaded fuel has been phased out, with the last known stockpile used in Algeria in 2021.
The bill aims to implement the ban at the end of this year, but lawmakers have decided to extend this timeline, giving the racetrack about three years to transition away from leaded fuel practices. Rep. Nelson remarked that this would allow the racetrack to explore other revenue options.
As of now, around 150 people have submitted feedback on the bill, which remains under discussion in committee.
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Oregon,Lawmakers,Leaded fuels,Racetracks,Health concerns,Portland,Bill,Emissions
