US senators launch SAF caucus to promote aviation, renewable fuels longevity

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, announced Sept. 26 that he and Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois; John Boozman, R-Arkansas; and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, recently launched the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation industry and the renewable fuels industry.

Earlier this year, Reps. Sharice Davids of Kansas and Dusty Johnson of Alabama created the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus in the House.

“As the aviation industry strives for lower emissions and cleaner energy sources, the development and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel will be a critical element,” Moran said. “To help spur development, I am launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus.”

According to Moran, the caucus will work together to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase the United States’ competitiveness in the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel.

Duckworth said, “I look forward to continuing our work to protect and grow American SAF production for use around the world, while also reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our domestic farmers and economy.”

The caucus aims to promote data, research and innovation in sustainable aviation to ensure the U.S. maintains leadership in the field, according to Klobuchar.

Alison Graab, executive director of the SAF Coalition, said, “The formation of the caucus is a positive step towards strengthening national energy security, driving economic growth and generating quality jobs across the country through the development and deployment of SAF. We look forward to working with the caucus and other SAF advocates to enhance incentives that expand SAF production and support our nation’s energy needs.”

As on-road transportation increasingly electrifies, aviation demand for SAF will continue to grow exponentially, according to Cherie Wilson, an executive with Delta.

“SAF is the most important lever we have to decarbonize aviation and ensure a more energy secure America, all while providing economic benefits for farmers and other agricultural value chain players across the SAF ecosystem,” Wilson said.