The Renewable Fuels Association thanked a bipartisan group of House members who introduced legislation to clarify the definition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and specify additional lifecycle greenhouse gas methodologies for the sake of federal SAF regulation.
The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023, introduced by Reps. Mike Flood (R-NE) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), specifies that the Department of Energy Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model is an allowable methodology for determining SAF lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. A companion Senate bill was introduced in June. RFA has long argued that the Argonne GREET model is scientifically superior to other lifecycle GHG methodologies, including the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) model. RFA remains concerned that the ICAO model relies on outdated and inaccurate information that could result in severely constraining the supply of qualifying feedstocks for SAF.
“Recognizing the importance of using the most robust and accurate lifecycle GHG model, this legislation would ensure America’s farmers and renewable fuel producers are able to contribute to the future growth of domestic SAF production,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “We thank Reps. Flood and Budzinski for working together on this important legislation that is critical to the advancement of SAF production and use.”
In a 2021 letter to congressional leadership, RFA and allies pointed out that the GREET model has been the state-of-the-art model used globally to measure life cycle greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and that Congress should be using a U.S.-based lifecycle emissions model when determining U.S.-based tax incentives.
