New US House bill would require EIA to more explicitly include SAF data in reports

U.S. Reps. Mike Flood, R-Nebraska, and Troy Carter Sr., D-Louisiana, announced Aug. 9 that they have introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act.

This bill would direct the U.S. Energy Information Administration to more explicitly include SAF on their weekly and monthly reports, consistent with other fuel types that are regularly reported by the agency. 

“Nebraska is the second largest producer of biofuels in the nation and we’re constantly working to grow our bioeconomy,” Flood said. “Sustainable aviation fuel is an incredible growth opportunity that can help expand the biofuels industry and our rural economy. This commonsense legislation directs the EIA to start including SAF in data sets they publish, allowing stakeholders and industry to better understand how production is developing. Thank you to my colleagues, especially Congressman Carter, for stepping up and pushing to help include SAF in key reports as the industry takes off.”

Carter added, “Aviation currently represents approximately 10 percent of our nation’s transportation-related greenhouse-gas emissions. Without coordinated action between government and industry, these emissions will continue to increase as more people and goods fly through our skies. Sustainable aviation fuel is an exciting, new green fuel with a proven record of success. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure America is on track to meet the growing demand for cleaner transportation and healthier communities. I'm committed to supporting innovative, ecofriendly aviation solutions like this.”

Flood has been an advocate for SAF, pushing to expand markets and introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Accuracy Act of 2023 along with Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Illinois.

Supporters of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act include the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, the SAF Coalition, Greater New Orleans Inc., American Sugar Cane League, National Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Nebraska Soybean Association, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.

“As we work to speed up the development and deployment of SAF, real-time production and supply updates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration will offer crucial insights,” said Alison Graab, executive director of the SAF Coalition. “These updates will play a key role in effectively scaling up SAF across the country.”

RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper added, “Transparent and timely market data are critically important to help the nascent SAF industry get off the ground. This legislation would ensure SAF producers and users have the information they need to make informed decisions and smart investments. The Renewable Fuels Association thanks Reps. Flood and Carter for their leadership on this issue and we strongly support their legislation.”