A huge thank you to our community of advocates for answering our call to action! On Tuesday, August 17, following more than six hours of expert presentation, public comment, and discussion, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to eliminate lead exposure from operations at Reid-Hillview Airport. County lawmakers want to explore prohibiting the sale or use of leaded fuel, and pursuing “any and all available paths to early (airport) closure prior to 2031.”
This is likely to be a lengthy process, and we will continue to keep you informed of progress and opportunities to engage.
For decades, East San Jose community members have been working to close Reid-Hillview Airport due to the continuing danger to nearby residents— particularly children— from the emissions from planes that fly in and out of the airport while using leaded aviation fuel.
On August 3, 2021, a comprehensive lead study, conducted by a leading expert in the field, showed direct and significant correlations between elevated lead levels in the blood of children and proximity to the airport. The report included a detailed summary of the associated higher risk of permanent developmental and health effects of this exposure to the lead from plane emissions. In light of this now clearly documented impact, we urge the Board of Supervisors to move forward with the actions necessary for the immediate closure of Reid-Hillview Airport.
SV@Home joins with the local leaders of this effort in their call for the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to move to close the airport, and commit to a community-centered response, bringing the experience of local residents experiencing the harmful impacts of the airport into a process to reimagine how the 180 acres of publicly-owned land at Reid-Hillview Airport could be better used to meet their collective needs and interests.
Fill out this simple form to send a letter in support of protecting East San Jose children from lead exposure and repurposing this publicly-owned land to better serve the community!
Speak out in favor of closing Reid-Hillview Airport at the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting!
On Tuesday, August 17 after 6 pm, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors will consider taking action to close Reid-Hillview Airport and protect East San Jose residents from the related lead contamination. To address the Board in public comment, please join the teleconference by Zoom (recommended) or (669)900-6833, meeting ID 96612349693#
Agenda Item 37: Direct Administration and County Counsel to take all necessary actions, including closure, to immediately prevent lead contamination from operations at Reid-Hillview Airport.
We support the community demands including:
• Immediate closure of the airport;
• A commitment to a community centered process to reimagine how the airport land can be used to best serve community needs;
• Immediate end of leaded aviation fuel use in this county;
• A night time curfew on flights until the airport is shut down to address the noise pollution in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Please vote to close the airport. A serious commitment to environmental equity and racial justice demands that the County act now.