DOE, DOT, USDA, and EPA released an updated implementation
framework for the outgoing Administration's Sustainable
Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge. The Grand Challenge called for
3 billion gallons of domestic SAF production by 2030, and 35
billion gallons by 2050.
The report also calls for using existing ethanol and petroleum
industry infrastructure to quickly scale up SAF. Thus, the report
wisely calls for both new resources and the optimization of
existing resources to decarbonize the SAF supply chain.
It remains to be seen the extent to which aviation fuel
decarbonization will remain a priority for the new Administration.
However, international markets will continue to prioritize SAF, so
American aviation industry participants may choose to push ahead
with SAF development even if there is a lesser push from the
federal government.
