Midwest senators have reintroduced the Farm to Fly Act that would help accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) reintroduced the legislation that would utilize current USDA programs to support the development of SAF, clarify federal definitions for SAF and enable greater collaboration between USDA and the private sector. In September, Sens. Moran, Duckworth, Klobuchar and John Boozman (R-Ark.) launched the Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation and renewable fuels industries.

The Farm to Fly Act would:
Clarify eligibility for SAF within current USDA Bio-Energy Programs, expanding markets for American agricultural crops through aviation bioenergy;
Provide for greater collaboration for aviation biofuels throughout USDA agency mission areas, increasing private sector partnerships; and
Affirm a common definition of SAF for USDA purposes, as widely supported by industry to enable U.S. crops to most effectively contribute to aviation renewable fuels.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the legislation would create more clarity and stability around the development of SAF made from U.S. crops. “This bill would be critical in helping position SAF for takeoff by ensuring the best available science and modeling tools are used to calculate the carbon benefits of homegrown renewable fuels.”

“The Farm to Fly Act is a meaningful step forward in harnessing the full potential of American agriculture to advance sustainable aviation fuel,” said Alison Graab, Executive Director of the SAF Coalition. “By helping to expand markets for U.S. farmers, this legislation not only strengthens our nation’s energy dominance but also uplifts rural communities across the country.”