United Airlines announced in May it’s on track to use 10 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel in 2023, which is 10 times more than it consumed in 2019, writes Jenna Hoffman at AgWeb.com. Multiple airlines are showing their interest in SAF for climate reasons and to keep corn growers relevant in the rise of electric vehicles. But environmental activists are pushing back, causing a divide in the White House.
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Biden administration is targeting at least 3 billion gallons (11.4 billion liters) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production per year in the U.S. by 2030 as part of its broader push to fight climate change.
“These tax credits, which encourage the use of more eco-friendly fuels, could make or break the prospects of corn ethanol as a sustainable aviation fuel. Airlines, biofuel refiners and oil companies are lobbying for more generous tax credits for ethanol-based fuels that reduce emissions,” says Jim Wiesemeyer, ProFarmer policy analyst.
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