Indiana U.S. Representative Jim Baird (R-Dist. 4) deserves praise for his leadership as a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) – offering up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuels – is critical for the aviation industry to meet its ambitious climate targets. Business aviation, which supports over a million American jobs and $247 billion in economic impact annually, is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The industry has already reduced emissions by 40% over the past four decades and continues to invest in SAF and other advanced propulsion technologies.
But the benefits of SAF extend beyond the environment and aviation industry. The Midwest could see the creation of 224,000 jobs, $9.3 billion in labor income and an overall economic output of $71 billion annually if the federal SAF production goals are met. Indiana, with its substantial biofuel infrastructure, is uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to SAF production, and the state’s agricultural sector, particularly its corn and soybean producers, will benefit considerably from this growing industry.
With the formation of the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus, lawmakers are better equipped to support these industry efforts and accelerate innovation. Indiana’s aviation sector is a vital part of our economy, and the bipartisan work of Rep. Baird to protect and advance it is very welcomed and supported by the Indiana Chamber.
Greg Ellis is vice president of energy, environmental and federal relations policy for the Indiana Chamber. He has been with the organization since 2016 and previously was a law judge for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for six years.