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Feenstra Helps Introduce Legislation to Promote and Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel

November 7, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce legislation to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and promote the role that Iowa agriculture plays in developing this future fuel.

The Farm to Fly Act­ – led by U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) – would add a definition of SAF to USDA programs, advance SAF research and development, and promote the use of the GREET model. It would also direct the Secretary of Agriculture to work collaboratively within USDA and with other federal agencies to find ways to promote the commercial adoption of SAF.

“Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is the future of air travel. By converting agricultural biomass into airplane fuel, we can support Iowa farmers, reduce emissions by up to 94% compared to standard jet fuels, and use American energy – instead of foreign oil – to power our planes and safely transport passengers,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m excited to help introduce the Farm to Fly Act with my Midwestern colleagues to include SAF in USDA bio-energy programs, enhance public-private partnerships to advance SAF adoption and research, and utilize the GREET model to accurately measure the emissions reductions of SAF. Representing the top biofuels-producing district in Congress, I know that Iowa has the unlimited potential to grow and produce our world’s future fuels, and this legislation will help us achieve this important goal.”

“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 the only way that happens is with the GREET model,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “This legislation will ensure that U.S. farmers and their products are treated fairly and have access to the SAF market. IRFA members thank Rep. Feenstra for delivering once again for Iowa biofuels.”

“Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) strongly supports the Farm to Fly Act. We applaud the determined efforts of Rep. Miller – along with cosponsors Reps. Flood, Craig, Finstad, Budzinski, Crockett, Hinson, and Feenstra – to introduce this important legislation, which creates more clarity and stability around the development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) made from U.S. crops,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “By ensuring the best available science and modeling tools are used to calculate the carbon benefits of homegrown renewable fuels, this bill helps position SAF for takeoff.”

Full legislative text can be found HERE.

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