OPINION:
With President Donald Trump’s focus on American energy dominance, increasing U.S. energy production and generation is a top priority of the administration that recognizes the importance of lowering energy prices for families and increasing American economic security.
U.S. airlines understand and support President Trump’s focus on American energy dominance. As one of the most significant and volatile operating costs for airlines, jet fuel is a key element in providing safe, reliable and cost-competitive air travel for more than 2.7 million Americans and transporting 61,000 tons of cargo by air every day.
A promising and growing source of U.S. energy is the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is jet fuel derived from renewable sources including waste, oils, fats and agricultural products, among other sources. Already in 2024, reflecting years of government and industry collaboration, over 100 million gallons of SAF were available in the United States, but this amount is still a small fraction the 26-billion-gallon U.S. jet fuel market. As a result, increased SAF production has the potential for significant growth, economic benefits and job creation across the U.S. economy including in the agriculture, energy, transportation and manufacturing sectors.
Achieving significantly increased U.S. SAF production and tapping America’s extensive resources for it, however, will not succeed without effective policies and incentives to catalyze the full potential.
Fortunately, members of Congress in both the House and Senate recognize the potential of SAF and have introduced legislation to support its growth. For example, Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio), recently reintroduced the “Farm to Fly” Act in the House and Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. These bills would help foster the development of SAF within the confines of existing U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, enabling collaboration between America’s farmers, fuel producers and airlines while also supporting the U.S. energy dominance agenda.
In the near-term, we urge Congress to extend and improve the “45Z” Clean Fuel Production Credit. The three-year duration of the current 45Z credit limits its effectiveness in attracting private sector investment, but with a longer duration and other improvements it could lead to a dramatic increase in U.S. SAF production. Through the reconciliation process, Congress can address this gap and put in place a durable credit that will unlock the potential for SAF grown, produced and consumed in the U.S. benefiting America’s farmers and enabling Americans to fly on aviation fuel produced from America’s heartland.
Aside from Capitol Hill, SAF also has historical support from the Department of Defense. The agency maintains that increased and diverse domestic sources of jet fuel are needed for military purposes, resulting in less reliance from foreign suppliers.
As we look to the future, U.S. airlines and the broader U.S. aviation sector will continue to be global leaders in providing safe and reliable air transportation, while also curbing our emissions and environmental impact. We must not cede America’s leadership role on SAF, and we have a great opportunity ahead to leverage America’s energy resources and technical acumen.
We appreciate the administration’s priority on American energy resources and the support and leadership from members of Congress who are championing the opportunity of SAF.
• Kevin Welsh is Airlines for America’s vice president of environmental affairs and chief sustainability officer.
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