Ernst Works to Expand Use of Biofuels for Aviation and Grow Markets for Farmers
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, joined legislation that would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to allow further growth for alternative fuels to be used in the aviation sector and create new markets for American farmers.
The bipartisan 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 Technology (GREET) model and the definition of SAF into law.
“Incorporating SAF into USDA programs will play a key role in moving us toward energy independence while promoting homegrown Iowa biofuels that support our farmers and producers,” said Senator Ernst. “Supporting sustainable aviation fuel helps further the United States’ national security and our farmers’ future.”
“The Iowa Corn Growers Association supports and appreciates the reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act by Senators Ernst and Moran,” said Stu Swanson, President of Iowa Corn Growers Association. “This bill not only promotes the use of SAF, a cleaner, home-grown fuel that reduces carbon emissions, but it also promotes domestic energy production and increases partnerships within the aviation biofuels space. Building and expanding markets for corn farmers is a top priority for Iowa Corn, and this bill allows biofuels an opportunity to be part of SAF sector."
"The Farm-to-Fly Act is about expanding markets for what we produce, supporting rural communities, and helping fuel the aviation industry with homegrown, sustainable biofuels. By clarifying how SAF fits into USDA programs, we’re not just feeding the world, we’re helping power it, all while ensuring our farms play a key role in a cleaner future,” said Brent Swart, Iowa Soybean Association President and farmer.
“SAF represents the largest potential new market in the history of US agriculture. The only way SAF takes off is with the ample agricultural feedstocks available in the U.S. and certainty surrounding feedstock qualifications,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “This legislation will help ensure that U.S. farmers and their products are treated fairly and have access to the SAF market. IRFA members thank Senator Ernst for delivering once again for Iowa biofuels and 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, 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.
Read the bill here.
Background:
Ernst has long supported efforts to strengthen the sustainable aviation fuel market for Iowa farmers.
In January 2025, Ernst blasted the Biden administration for late, incomplete guidance on 45Z that continues to leave Iowa farmers and biofuel producers with little to no certainty.
In June 2024, Ernst led 51 of her colleagues in a bipartisan letter to the Biden administration to give a clear timeline and direction for how to create guidelines for the 45Z credit, which began on January 1, 2025, and if implemented correctly, would grow the SAF market.
In April 2024, Ernst called out the Biden administration for picking winners and losers in the updated GREET model for the 40B SAF credit.
In February 2024, Ernst urged the Biden administration to continue embracing the GREET model for assessing the lifecycle emissions of biofuel feedstocks. Instead of bolstering support for domestic crops and releasing the updates in a timely manner, the Biden administration largely ignored the bipartisan letter.
In June 2023, Ernst joined her colleagues in introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act to identify the standards required to meet the definition of SAF at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, this would prevent the federal government from penalizing the agriculture sector and biofuel producers by using the GREET model to assess production practices.
In June 2023, Ernst also sent a letter calling on Treasury to adopt the GREET model when calculating SAF credits—critical for enhancing our domestic energy security and rewarding farmers for improved land use practices.
In October 2023, Ernst joined a group of senators to introduce the Adopt GREET Act, which would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to apply the GREET model to any fuel given an approved pathway and deemed qualified for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
In the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, Ernst secured a pilot project to promote the use of SAF at military installations.
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