The Biden administration and aviation sector announced a plan yesterday to advance the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which will not only reduce emissions but also have widespread economic benefits. Details below.
What: The Biden administration and aviation sector will work together to reduce aviation emissions 20% by 2030 when compared to “business as usual,” says the White House fact sheet.
How: In coordination with several airlines and government agencies, the administration will launch a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge to increase production to at least 3 billion gallons per year by 2030.
Why SAF: Made from renewable biomass and waste feedstocks, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel—making it an important biotech solution for climate. SAF producers are also making significant investments in sustainable agriculture, clean fuels infrastructure, and new energy solutions to power the way we move.
Why it matters: This will not only “transform the aviation sector,” but also “create good-paying jobs, support American agriculture and manufacturing, and help us tackle the climate crisis,” says the White House.
BIO’s on board. We recently submitted testimony on the importance of developing and deploying SAF and have long supported SAF tax credits.
BIO members are on board, too. Companies including Gevo, LanzaTech, Velocys, and Virent are among the many companies partnering with airlines and the administration to scale up production—read more.
