Reps. Schneider, Kildee, Brownley introduce bill to decarbonize aviation industry

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U.S. Reps. Brad Schneider (D-IL), Dan Kildee (D-MI), and Julia Brownley (D-CA) introduced legislation on Thursday that would reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable fuel use in the aviation industry.

The Sustainable Skies Act would boost incentives for using Sustainable Aviation Fuel to cut aviation emissions by 50 percent or more.

“Air travel has changed the world and will be a growing part of our future,” Schneider said. “It is imperative for America to confront the existential challenge of climate change by making air travel cleaner. The Sustainable Skies Act will halve carbon emissions while also enabling more travel and commerce, a win-win for Americans today and our future generations. Implementing sustainable aviation fuels is the single most important step the aviation industry can take to combat climate change, and I’m proud to take this legislation to the House with the support of both Illinois-based companies, like United and LanzaJet, and climate change champions, like the Environmental Defense Fund and the World Wildlife Fund.”

The legislation would create a tax credit for blenders that supply sustainable aviation fuel with a demonstrated 50 percent or greater lifecycle estimate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The tax credit would start at $1.50 per gallon. The Congress members said the legislation would incentivize innovation and greater reductions in emissions by providing an additional credit of $0.01/gallon for each percentage the fuel reduces emissions by over 50 percent. The tax credits would expire at the end of 2031.

The legislation is supported by climate groups like the Environmental Defense Fund and the World Wildlife Fund and industry groups like United Airlines, Airlines for America, LanzaJet, and the Airline Pilots Association. The bill is also supported by Third Way, the Rocky Mountain Institute, and the Progressive Policy Institute.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) is expected to introduce companion legislation in the Senate soon.