[AdamJacobMuller]

The FAA would have been totally happen, probably ecstatic, to allow an external mandate from someone like the EPA end leaded avgas while they had no replacement, effectively killing general aviation. They could have pointed fingers at the EPA who would have pointed back at the FAA, meanwhile GA would be dead.

[notatoad]

yeah, that's always the threat - "following basic environmental safety rules will kill ____". but just because you say it, doesn't make it true.

GA flying is important for a lot of industry, and a lot of remote communities. it might have taken some work, but they could have found a way to use unleaded fuel in airplanes in fewer than 50 years.