Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act
Congress Proposes New Standards and Tax Credits to Reach Net-Zero Aviation Emissions by 2050
Stalled
No legislative action in over 90 days.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill sets a national goal for the United States to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from all domestic and international flights by 2050. To reach this target, it aims for a 35% reduction in aviation emissions by 2035 compared to levels seen in 2005.
- The EPA would be required to create a new 'Low Carbon Aviation Fuel Standard.' This system would require fuel producers and importers to gradually lower the carbon footprint of the jet fuel they sell. Companies that produce cleaner fuel could earn credits, while those that do not meet the standards would have to buy credits from others.
- Starting in October 2025, the Department of Defense would be required to make sure at least 10% of the jet fuel it buys for its operations is sustainable aviation fuel. This rule only applies if the cleaner fuel is made in the U.S. and costs about the same as regular jet fuel.
- The bill authorizes $200 million every year through 2030 for a grant program. This money would help companies build the infrastructure needed to produce, transport, and store sustainable fuels, as well as develop new technologies to make flying more environmentally friendly.
- To encourage private investment, the bill extends tax credits for companies producing sustainable aviation fuel until 2032. It also creates new tax incentives for building the factories and equipment needed to make these fuels, with the benefits slowly phasing out by 2039.
- The FAA and Department of Energy would receive funding to study how different crops can be turned into fuel and how to reduce the climate impact of 'contrails'—the white streaks planes leave in the sky. This research aims to help the entire aviation sector reach its climate goals.
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
How this policy affects specific groups of people
Milestones
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, Armed Services, Science, Space, and Technology, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
5 articlesHouse Democrats Introduce Bold New Targets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Reps. Julia Brownley and Brad Schneider introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, which sets a national goal for net-zero aviation emissions by 2050. The bill mandates the EPA to create a low-carbon fuel standard for jet fuel and requires the DOD to buy 10% sustainable fuel starting in 2025.
Trump Tax Overhaul Slashes Sustainable Aviation Fuel Credits in 'One Big Beautiful Bill'
The 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' signed by President Trump on July 4 modifies the 45Z clean fuel production credit, reducing the maximum incentive for sustainable aviation fuel from $1.75 to $1.00 per gallon. The move has sparked concern among aviation leaders aiming for net-zero targets by 2050.
Bipartisan Coalition Moves to Restore Aviation Fuel Tax Breaks After Budget Cuts
A bipartisan group of lawmakers led by Rep. Sharice Davids introduced the 'Securing America's Fuels Act' to reinstate the tax credit premium for sustainable aviation fuel that was eliminated by the OBBBA. The bill seeks to restore the $1.75 per gallon rate to keep net-zero goals within reach.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.