Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act
Plain Language Summary
# Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act (HR 1594) - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill aims to reduce pollution from airplane flights by promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)—a cleaner alternative fuel made from renewable sources. It sets a goal for the aviation industry to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and requires the EPA to establish standards forcing airlines to reduce emissions from fuel by at least 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2050 (compared to 2005 levels). Starting in 2026, the Department of Defense would also be required to purchase at least 10% of its aviation fuel from sustainable sources. **Who it affects:** This primarily impacts commercial and military aviation operations, fuel producers, and airlines.
It could also indirectly affect consumers through potential changes in airfare costs and businesses that rely on air transportation. Environmental advocates would likely support the emissions reductions, while fuel producers would need to develop and scale up sustainable fuel production. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't been voted on by the full House yet and may undergo revisions before proceeding.
CRS Official Summary
Sustainable Aviation Fuel ActThis bill establishes requirements for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from airplane flights. It also provides incentives for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an alternative to conventional airplane fuel that is derived from a sustainable feedstock, meets certain aviation standards, and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.The bill establishes a national goal to reach net zero GHG emissions from flights by 2050.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) must establish a low carbon fuel standard for aviation fuels. Under the standard, the EPA must set annual targets to reduce certain GHG emissions associated with aviation fuel by at least 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2050, as compared to 2005.Beginning in FY2026, the Department of Defense must make a bulk purchase of an amount of SAF that is no less than 10% of the total amount of aviation fuel procured for operational purposes under certain circumstances.Additionally, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 a grant program of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certain projects concerning SAF or low-emission aviation technology.The bill (1) extends the clean fuel production tax credit for SAF through 2032, and (2) expands an energy investment tax credit to include SAF production property.The bill also expands an FAA research program to include SAF and related topics.Finally, the bill directs the Department of Energy to research the use of crops grown for conservation purposes rather than for sale in the production of SAF.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.