SE Nebraska News

Today, U.S. Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE) and Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) announced the introduction of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Information Act. The proposed legislation aims to direct the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) to include Sustainable Aviation Fuel in its weekly and monthly reports, similar to other fuel types.

“Nebraska is the second largest producer of biofuels in the nation and we’re constantly working to grow our bioeconomy,” said Rep. Flood. “Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an incredible growth opportunity that can help expand the biofuels industry and our rural economy. This commonsense legislation directs the EIA to start including SAF in data sets they publish, allowing stakeholders and industry to better understand how production is developing. Thank you to my colleagues, especially Congressman Carter, for stepping up and pushing to help include SAF in key reports as the industry takes off.”

“Aviation currently represents approximately 10 percent of our nation’s transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions,” said Congressman Carter, Sr. “Without coordinated action between government and industry, these emissions will continue to increase as more people and goods fly through our skies. Sustainable aviation fuel is an exciting, new green fuel with a proven record of success. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to ensure America is on track to meet the growing demand for cleaner transportation and healthier communities. I'm committed to supporting innovative, eco-friendly aviation solutions like this.”

Congressman Flood has been an advocate for SAF, previously introducing the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Accuracy Act of 2023 along with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL).

Joining as original co-sponsors are Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH), Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), Congresswoman Dina Titus (D-NV), and Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (D-MI).

Supporters of the bill include several organizations such as the Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, Nebraska Soybean Association, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation among others.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a big opportunity for American bioethanol producers and our farmer partners," stated Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. "Reporting SAF production and including this data in EIA's regular reports is a simple step that will help the entire industry track its progress and identify investment opportunities."

Alison Graab from The SAF Coalition noted that real-time updates from EIA would offer crucial insights needed for scaling up SAF across the country.

Harold Wolle from National Corn Growers Association emphasized that transparency provided by this bill would ensure accountability for American farmers providing feedstocks driving this new market.

Chris Grams from Nebraska Corn Growers Association expressed gratitude towards Rep. Flood for promoting greater data transparency which benefits Nebraska corn farmers.

Jared Mullendore from Renewable Fuels Association highlighted that timely market data are essential for making informed decisions within the nascent SAF industry.

Lori Luebbe from Nebraska Soybean Association appreciated Rep. Flood's efforts noting that producing advanced biofuels promotes economic opportunities while increasing market access for local farmers.