Ernst Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Use of Biofuels for Aviation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) are working to accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that promote the use of alternative fuels in the aviation sector and create new markets for American farmers.
The Farm to Fly Act would support the development of SAF and enable greater collaboration between USDA and the private sector by codifying the Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation (GREET) model and the definition of SAF into law.
“As we work toward energy independence, the GREET model will play a key role in allowing homegrown, Iowa biofuel to meet the needs of the U.S. aviation industry, while also creating new markets for biofuel producers,” said Senator Ernst. “An investment in the development of sustainable aviation fuel is an investment in our national security, our environment, and our farmers.”
The Farm to Fly Act would:
- Clarify eligibility for SAF within current USDA Bio-Energy Programs, expanding markets for American agricultural crops through aviation bioenergy;
- Provide for greater collaboration for aviation biofuels throughout USDA agency mission areas, increasing private sector partnerships; and
- Affirm a common definition of SAF for USDA purposes, as widely supported by industry to enable U.S. crops to most effectively contribute to aviation renewable fuels.
Background:
As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Ernst has long worked to ensure that America’s domestic energy production is driven by the U.S. GREET model rather than on an international model dictated by foreign countries like China and Russia. Following Ernst’s continued advocacy, the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently adoptedthe GREET model. Ernst also supports the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023.
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