Airport Workers Push For Alternative Jet Fuels

Unlike the controversies over bio-fuels, there’s virtual unanimity for including jet fuel in the overall phase-out of fossil fuels in California’s transportation sector. The only questions are “Will it begin quickly?” and “Will it be done right?” Dozens of union airport workers, including union officers, showed up at the California Air Resources Board public hearing on the Low Carbon Fuel Standards update on September 28 to demand that it will.

“I developed pneumonia, asthma, and diabetes. I have respiratory problems,” said Oscar Antonio, a 23-year airport worker. “I am exposed to airplane fumes all day long,” said LAX cargo worker David Goddard. “On really bad days, I have trouble catching my breath and it’s difficult to breathe. A lot of my coworkers have developed asthma and breathing problems.”

“In 2019, I was diagnosed with COPD. No, I’m not a smoker, but I guess I breathe jet fuel on a daily,” said Jovan Houston, LAX worker and SEIU-USWW executive board member.

COPD, or Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems.

“I live seven minutes from LAX. So when I lay in my bed at night, I see jet fuel flying, dumping over my house. This is the type of air that I breathe on a daily basis.”

“Even though I work inside the terminal, my job at the airport exposes me to air pollution that impacts my health and the health of my coworkers,” said security officer Davonni Sturdivant. “I have asthma and the pollution and smell of the fumes that I am exposed to on the job definitely makes it worse. The fumes come into the terminal sometimes and I have trouble breathing and I get bad headaches and migraines from it.”

“SEIU members are here in solidarity with other black immigrant communities fighting for environmental justice,” said Armando M. “We support the farm worker communities fighting to end air pollution from methane crediting. We stand in solidarity with the communities living near pollution jet fuel refineries. We are suffering from the same health impacts.”

How quickly and strictly CARB acts in response will become apparent in the months ahead.

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