The White House set a goal of producing 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 to help achieve climate goals. However, outdated climate data is keeping producers from reaching the finish line, according to various senators.
To address the issue, congressmembers introduced the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 on Tuesday. If passed, the bill would require the Department of Energy (DOE) to use the GREET model — a greenhouse gas measuring method considered to be most accurate — to collect data on crop, land and carbon practices that reduce greenhouse gases, which then go on to reduce jet fuel emissions.
“Emissions modeling needs to reflect the latest science and technology. The GREET model will more accurately capture the environmental benefits of biofuels, including for sustainable aviation fuels,” says Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.).
If GREET is considered the most accurate, then why isn’t it the standard? Chris Bliley, Growth Energy’s senior vice president of regulatory affairs, says it comes down to conflicting interests.
“Because aviation is a global marketplace that includes international flights, a lot of people think all countries should be using the international SAF model. But for the U.S., we use tax incentives, so it only makes sense that we would use our own model developed by the DOE. And the DOE should be giving us the gold standard, which is GREET,” Bliley says.
Sen. Joni Ernst, echoed Bliley in saying the international model isn’t a good fit for the U.S. She says it’s a matter of energy dependence.
“Our bill ensures America’s domestic energy production is driven by the U.S. GREET model rather than rely on the current international model dictated by foreign countries like China and Russia. Not only is this model better for our national security, but it also provides an opportunity to support our hard-working American farmers,” Ernst says.
