DG Fuels is deciding whether to build a $4 billion low-emissions, sustainable aviation fuel complex in the Moonshine area of St. James Parish. The plant, as seen in the rendering from La. 3127, would use sugar cane bagasse and other waste plant and timber material to make the jet fuel. The company has recently proposed a $26 million community benefits package for the Moonshine area and the parish more broadly on top of tax and economic benefits.
U.S. Rep. Troy Carter, D-New Orleans, has taken bold steps to support Louisiana’s agricultural and energy industries by introducing the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Information Act and helping to establish the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus. These efforts are helping put Louisiana at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel development — a win for both our farmers and the environment.
SAF is an innovative biofuel made from renewable resources like crops and waste materials. It’s gaining traction, and for good reason: By replacing traditional jet fuels, SAF has the potential to cut life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by 80%, helping aviation — including general aviation, a hard-to-decarbonize sector — meet its ambitious commitment of net-zero emissions by 2050. But this move is about more than the environment, it can supercharge rural economies across our state.
For our farmers, SAF means new demand for the crops we already grow, like corn and soybeans, as well as agricultural residues that often go unused. These new markets can provide another income stream for our hard-working farm families, strengthening the foundation of our rural communities. It’s a win-win: We reduce atmospheric carbon while creating economic opportunities. And Louisiana is poised to play a big role in this growing industry.
The bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus, including Carter as a founding member, represents the broad recognition across party lines and across sectors of the benefits of SAF from the environment to our farmers to the broader economy.