The article isn't directly about banning leaded fuel. It's about expanding approval of unleaded fuel.
You're right that from a environmental/health standpoint, it's not a giant issue. Lead emissions from general aviation are highly localized, and generally within air quality limits - with peaking areas limited to within airport limits themselves (https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engin...).
But this rant is more about bureaucracy cockups. The FAA is launching another lead-free fuel initiative while sitting on approvals for an existing lead-free fuel. That's a waste of money, and it's not a sign of the competence/lack of corruption that we should expect from the FAA.
You're right that from a environmental/health standpoint, it's not a giant issue. Lead emissions from general aviation are highly localized, and generally within air quality limits - with peaking areas limited to within airport limits themselves (https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engin...).
But this rant is more about bureaucracy cockups. The FAA is launching another lead-free fuel initiative while sitting on approvals for an existing lead-free fuel. That's a waste of money, and it's not a sign of the competence/lack of corruption that we should expect from the FAA.