Insight Focus
The US SAF Information Act seeks to improve data transparency. It does this by requiring regular reporting on SAF production. This will help the industry track progress and make informed investment decisions.
Legislation to Boost SAF Reporting
Factual and reliable information is critical for every business. Supporters of the ethanol industry are looking for more of it from the government.
US Representatives Mike Flood and Troy Carter, Sr., a Nebraska Republican and Louisiana Democrat respectively, recently introduced bipartisan legislation that would require more reporting of data about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act would direct the Energy Information Administration (EIA) to include regular reporting of SAF on their weekly and monthly reports, consistent with other fuel types that are regularly reported on by the agency.
“Nebraska is the second largest producer of biofuels in the nation and we’re constantly working to grow our bioeconomy,” said Rep. Flood. “Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an incredible growth opportunity that can help expand the biofuels industry and our rural economy. This common-sense legislation directs the EIA to start including SAF in datasets they publish, allowing stakeholders and industry to better understand how production is developing.”
“Aviation currently represents approximately 10% of our nation’s transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions,” said Congressman Carter, Sr. “Without coordinated action between government and industry, these emissions will continue to increase as more people and goods fly through our skies.”
He continued by highlighting that 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,” he added. “I’m committed to supporting innovative, eco-friendly aviation solutions like this.”
Broad Support for SAF Bill
Original co-sponsors of the bill include Representatives Salud Carbajal of California, Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, Don Bacon of Nebraska, Dina Titus of Nevada, and Hillary Scholten from Michigan.
Among the industry supporters of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act are the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, the SAF Coalition, Greater New Orleans Inc., American Sugar Cane League, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Nebraska Soybean Association, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.
The SAF Coalition applauded the House Committee on Agriculture for taking a good first step in the further advancement of SAF. “The Committee’s affirmation of SAF as an advanced biofuel in the farm bill will make SAF eligible for important USDA programs and help to develop a critical new market for crops and agricultural waste streams.”
Next Steps for SAF Legislation
Several industry leaders expressed support of the legislation through various news outlets. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said the bill is a simple step to help the industry track its progress and identify investment opportunities.
National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolfe said the bill creates accountability for US farmers to be properly credited in the new market. Jared Mullendore, with the Renewable Fuels Association, says the bill ensures SAF producers and users can make informed decisions and smart investment.
The SAF Information Act has not yet been scheduled for a hearing in the House of Representatives’ current session.
