Sustainable aviation fuel is getting attention in Congress with the introduction of a bill that would incentivize R&D. Here’s a look at the legislation and the benefits for people, the planet, and the economy.
Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, legislation that would provide incentives for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and therefore help the aviation industry reduce carbon emissions.
“Aviation alone contributes 9% to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and is therefore a critical target toward achieving our climate goals,” Rep. Brownley said in a statement.
Derived from renewable biomass or waste byproducts,SAF has been shown to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation fuel by up to 80% over the full lifecycle.
Biotech companies have led the way in developing and deploying SAF—like Gevo’s low-carbon fuel made from plant material, LanzaTech's aviation fuel made from carbon emissions, and the World Energy/SkyNRG partnership with Alaska Airlines and Microsoft. But a focused federal response would bolster R&D and investment.
What it means for health: Tackling climate change is a global priority, and tackling air pollution is critically important, too—especially since study after study shows poor air quality increases the risk of COVID-19 complications and death.
What it means for the economy: The development and use of SAF can boost the bioeconomy, too. These facilities are often located in rural communities and create job growth and a value-added market for feedstocks as commodity prices plummet.
Stephanie’s Sage Words: Incentivizing the development of SAF has many environmental and economic benefits. Reducing emissions in aviation is one step forward in the fight against climate change, while also cleaning the air and improving human health. It also provides much-needed assistance to the hard-hit airline industry, and a boost to our bioeconomy. We applaud Rep. Brownley for her leadership in introducing this legislation that will advance innovations in biotechnology and spur the development of sustainable fuels for air travel. – Stephanie Batchelor, VP of BIO’s Industrial and Environment Section
Learn more about sustainable aviation fuels.
Listen: Gevo CEO Pat Gruber joined the I AM BIO Podcast to talk about the company’s jet fuel made with renewable plant material and genetic engineering. Visit www.bio.org/podcast or listen via Apple, Google, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix.
