A recently introduced bill in the U.S. House of Representatives seeks to ensure that agriculture products are eligible for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Introduced by Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) with seven co-sponsors, the Farm to Fly Act (H.R.6271) clarifies that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) definitions of SAF include the use of American agriculture crops.
It further seeks to foster increased collaboration within the USDA, as well as in partnership with the private sector, over the development of SAF.
“The Farm to Fly Act is important for three main reasons: it will provide access to new markets for our nation’s farmers, it will drive rural economic development, and it will strengthen our domestic energy resources,” Miller said. “I look forward to beating the drum until we see this one through for our farmers and rural communities.”
Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), a co-sponsor of the bill, noted that the bill is necessary to provide tools for airlines to meet their commitment to transition to SAF. “Despite a growing market for SAF, the U.S. is not currently producing enough SAF to meet the increasing demand. To address this, the Farm to Fly Act stands up a new initiative at USDA to ensure the agency is working to advance SAF across all its mission areas.”
The bill has received backing from both the agriculture and aviation communities. The National Air Transportation Association expressed hope that the bill would be included in the farm bill and receive congressional consideration next year.
Meanwhile, a separate bill also garnering support from NATA, among others, would call for the FAA to establish an education program on authorized unleaded aviation fuels, including their compatibility with general aviation aircraft and their availability. Introduced by Reps. Matt Cartwright (D-Pennsylvania) and Jay Obernolte (R-California), the Unleaded Act (H.R.6446) also would direct the FAA to facilitate training for FBOs handling the unleaded aviation gasoline.