WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) yesterday joined Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), along with Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), in introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023. The bipartisan legislation would update federal standards to align with the definition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and require agencies to adopt the ”Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (GREET) Model,” the most accurate tool for measuring lifecycle emissions.
“Expanding sustainable aviation fuel use in commercial aviation would create significant opportunities for Iowa biofuel development. However, legal discrepancies and the FAA’s use of outdated lifecycle emissions data are market barriers,” Grassley said. “Our bill fixes the problem by requiring the FAA reference the most accurate GREET model for emissions assessments, consistent with many other federal agencies. It would be a win for Iowa agriculture and the environment, encourage innovation and enhance U.S. energy security.”
“As we work towards energy independence, it is important to allow our homegrown, clean biofuel to meet the needs of the U.S. aviation industry. Our measure ensures America’s domestic energy production is driven by the U.S. GREET model rather than rely on the current international model dictated by foreign countries like China and Russia. Not only is this model better for our national security, but it also provides an opportunity to support our hard-working American farmers,” Ernst said.
“One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of American-grown, American-made, sustainable aviation fuel,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Fischer, along with Senators Ernst, Klobuchar and Grassley, to introduce our bipartisan bill that will protect and ‘grow’ our sustainable aviation fuel sources stemming from America’s agricultural bounty, representing a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our carbon footprint.”
“Emissions modeling needs to reflect the latest science and technology. The GREET Model will more accurately capture the environmental benefits of biofuels, including for sustainable aviation fuels. I’m proud to join Senator Duckworth in leading this legislation to open up new markets for biofuel producers, promote U.S. energy security, and support our agricultural producers,” Fischer said.
The GREET Model was commissioned by the Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory. It considers crops, land uses and carbon reduction practices and is the best available model that recognizes the agriculture industry’s contributions to advancing domestic energy goals.
America is a top producer of SAF, most of which comes from biofuels or biomass-derived fuels. Promoting SAF as a way to power commercial aviation is not only a sound energy and environmental strategy, but it also supports greater certainty for the agriculture and biofuel sectors. Further, it would reduce reliance on oil from foreign adversaries and countries with lower environmental standards.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 is endorsed by the National Corn Growers Association, Clean Fuels Alliance America, United Airlines, Renewable Fuels Alliance and Growth Energy.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act summary is available HERE and text, HERE.
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up