WASHINGTON, D.C.—Friday, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) helped introduce legislation to advance the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and promote the role that Iowa agriculture plays in developing this future fuel.
The Farm to Fly Act – led by U.S. Rep. Max Miller (R-OH) – would add a definition of SAF to USDA programs, advance SAF research and development, and promote the use of the GREET model. It would also direct the Secretary of Agriculture to work collaboratively within USDA and with other federal agencies to find ways to promote the commercial adoption of SAF.
“Homegrown biofuels are critical to American energy independence and sustainable aviation fuel is vital to the future of air travel. By converting agricultural biomass into airplane fuel, Iowa farmers and producers will benefit from new markets, and we can use domestic energy – instead of foreign oil – to power our planes,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad to work with my Ways and Means colleague, Rep. Max Miller, to introduce the Farm to Fly Act to include SAF in USDA bio-energy programs and promote the use of SAF for airline fuel. Representing the top biofuel-producing district in the nation, our farmers and producers will play a pivotal role in the future of air travel powered by homegrown American fuels.”
“SAF represents the largest potential new market in the history of US agriculture. The only way SAF takes off is with the ample agricultural feedstocks available in the U.S. and the only way that happens is with the GREET model,” said Monte Shaw, Executive Director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “This legislation will ensure that U.S. farmers and their products are treated fairly and have access to the SAF market. IRFA members thank Rep. Feenstra for delivering once again for Iowa biofuels.”
“Sustainable aviation fuel is rooted in America’s agricultural sector. The Farm to Fly Act expands opportunities for U.S. farmers and strengthens USDA’s role in SAF development—enhancing our energy dominance, driving rural economic growth, and reinforcing American innovation in fuel production. We commend Representatives Miller, Flood, Finstad, Budzinski, Tenney, Mann, Bost, Bacon, Feenstra, D. Johnson, Alford, Sorensen, Miller-Meeks, and Fischbach for their commitment to advancing policies that support SAF and the agricultural communities that make it possible,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director of the SAF Coalition.
“The Renewable Fuels Association thanks Rep. Miller, as well as cosponsors Reps. Flood, Finstad, Budzinski, Tenney, Mann, Bost, Bacon, Feenstra, D. Johnson, Alford, Sorensen, Miller-Meeks and Fischbach for the reintroduction of the Farm to Fly Act. RFA supports this important legislation, which would bring clarity and stability to the future of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) made from U.S. crops. By affirming SAF’s inclusion in USDA programs and ensuring the best science is used, this bill empowers domestic agriculture to participate in the emerging SAF market,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.
Full legislative text can be found HERE.
Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull)
(contributed press release)
