A bipartisan coalition of senators has reintroduced legislation that would accelerating the use of biofuels in aviation fuel by expanding existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs.
The Farm to Fly Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Pete Ricketts (R-NB), Amy Klobuchar (D-MM) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), would use current USDA programs to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel, clarify definitions on what SAF is and allow for more collaboration between the USDA and the private sector. Officials said the legislation would allow for growth in the alternative fuels market and create new markets for American farmers.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is a promising alternative fuel source that can provide new markets for farmers while increasing our domestic energy production and security,” Moran said. “This legislation would increase the accessibility of biofuels for commercial use and directly support rural America and its farmers, the agriculture industry and the aviation sector.”
Officials said the legislation would clarify eligibility for SAF within current USDA Bio-Energy programs; provide for more collaboration for aviation biofuels throughout the USDA agency mission areas; and affirm a common definition for SAF for the USDA, to enable crop to effectively contribute to aviation renewable fuels.
The legislation is supported by a number of aviation, agriculture and energy organizations.
“The Kansas Corn Growers Association supports Senator Moran’s continued leadership in Sustainable Aviation Fuel with the Farm to Fly Act,” J.D. Hanna, president of Kansas Corn Growers Association, said. “Corn-based ethanol is poised to play a key role in Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and this legislation builds on our ongoing SAF efforts with airline companies. It is imperative that we continue to build viable markets for American farmers, and ethanol-based SAF would be a game-changer for corn and ethanol producers and the rural economy.”