I want to thank Rep. Nikki Budzinski’s (D-IL-13) for her leadership in becoming a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus.
Sustainable aviation and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) represents a transformative opportunity for Illinois. Produced from renewable resources like corn and waste materials, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuels.
The economic impact of SAF production is substantial. It is anticipated to create 224,000 jobs and contribute $71 billion annually across the Midwest. Illinois, with its significant agricultural output, is poised to reap considerable benefits.
Aviation is a critical economic driver in Illinois with more than $95 billion in annual economic impact, and SAF is crucial for meeting the aviation industry’s climate targets. Business aviation alone supports over a million American jobs and is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The efforts of the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus are vital in advancing these environmental goals and supercharging economic growth.
Supporting SAF and sustainability in aviation is important not just for the industry but for Illinois and the country, which is why it enjoys such bipartisan support. I applaud Rep. Budzinski’s efforts to carry that work forward in Congress.
Lou Sandoval, Springfield
President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce