U.S. Rep. Mike Flood of Norfolk recently proposed legislation that supports corn growers and the biofuel industry.
Mr. Flood and Rep. Troy Carter Sr. of Louisiana introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act, which would direct the United States Energy Information Administration to more explicitly include sustainable aviation fuel 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,” Mr. Flood said. “Sustainable aviation fuel is an incredible growth opportunity that can help expand the biofuels industry and our rural economy.”
This legislation directs the Energy Information Administration to start including SAF in data sets they publish, allowing stakeholders and the industry to better understand how production is developing.
Aviation represents about 10% of the United States’ transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. As Mr. Carter pointed out, without coordinated action between government and industry, these emissions will continue to increase as more people and goods fly through U.S. skies.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is an exciting, new green fuel with a proven record of success,” Mr. Carter said. “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. I’m committed to supporting innovative, eco-friendly aviation solutions like this.”
The Nebraska Republican has been an advocate for SAF, pushing to expand markets and introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Accuracy Act of 2023 with U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski of Illinois.
Mr. Flood’s proposal has generated bipartisan support, with Democratic representatives from California, New Hampshire, Arizona and Michigan among the original sponsors of the SAF Information Act.
Supporters of the legislation include the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, the SAF Coalition, Greater New Orleans Inc., American Sugar Cane League, National Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, the Nebraska Soybean Association, the Nebraska Corn Growers Association and the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aviation accounts for 2% of all carbon dioxide emissions worldwide and 12% of all carbon dioxide emissions from transportation. Renewable hydrocarbon biofuels offer many benefits, according to the department, including engine and infrastructure compatibility and fewer emissions, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 94% depending on feedstock and technology pathway.
We believe that Mr. Flood has introduced common-sense legislation that ensures American farmers are being properly credited for providing the feedstocks that will drive this new market, as well as provides greater data transparency.