I want to thank U.S. Reps. Angie Craig, D-Minn., and Brad Finstad, R-Minn., for their bipartisan support in joining the newly established Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus. Their collaboration and shared vision, regardless of party lines, are a testament to the potential of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and its role in achieving our common goals.
First and foremost, SAF is a key to meeting our climate goals, offering as much as an 80% decrease in carbon emissions. But beyond its environmental significance, SAF production can be an enormous boon to our agricultural producers.
The Midwest economy could see a significant boost if the federal government’s SAF production targets are met. With the potential to create 224,000 jobs, generate $9.3 billion in income and contribute $71 billion per year to the total economic output, SAF production could be a game-changer for our region.
Moreover, SAF would be revolutionary for the aviation sector, offering a practical and feasible solution to meet its climate goals. As a drop-in fuel that requires no modifications to the existing aircraft fleet, SAF is a straightforward and immediate step toward sustainability. The business aviation industry, for instance, which has set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, is leading the way in adopting sustainable technologies. It has already reduced emissions by 40% in just four decades and is now investing in SAF and other innovative technologies like hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered propulsion systems.
SAF is truly a win-win for Minnesota and the Midwest. The bipartisan efforts of Reps. Craig and Finstad to support its adoption show that cooperation across party lines is still possible.
Niel Ritchie
The writer is former president of the League of Rural Voters.