Budzinski Introduces Farm to Fly Act to Expand Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Max Miller (OH-07), Mike Flood (NE-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Jasmine Crockett (TX-30), and Randy Feenstra (IA-04) introduced the bipartisan Farm to Fly Act to create new, robust markets for American agricultural products and to strengthen domestic energy resources.

The bill would foster the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) within existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, allowing for greater collaboration, and ensuring USDA’s SAF definitions reflect eligibility for American agricultural crops. 

“By utilizing sustainable aviation fuel, we can cut harmful emissions, support family farmers and reduce our dependence on foreign energy sources,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m proud to join Congressman Max Miller and colleagues on both sides of the aisle on the Farm to Fly Act — legislation that will allow homegrown biofuels to power our aviation sector while supporting growth in rural economies. With this bill we can empower the USDA to drive a sustainable future for our aviation industry.” 

The bipartisan Farm to Fly Act would: 

• Clarify eligibility for Sustainable Aviation Fuels within current U.S. Department of Agriculture Bio-Energy Programs expanding markets for American agricultural crops through aviation bioenergy.
• Provide for greater collaboration for aviation biofuels throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture agency mission areas, increasing private sector partnerships.
• Affirm a common definition of SAF for USDA purposes, as widely supported by industry and congressional leaders to enable U.S. crops to contribute to aviation renewable fuels most effectively.

The legislation has been endorsed by Archer Daniels Midland, Green Plains, the National Corn Growers Association, Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, Bayer, the National Biodiesel Board, the National Farmers Union, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, the Advanced Biofuels Business Council, the National Association of Wheat Growers, the American Council on Renewable Energy, DSM Company, the American Security Project, the Clean Fuels Development Coalition and the National Sorghum Producers. It also has support from Airlines for America, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Jet Blue Airlines, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.

The full text of the bill can be found here. A one-pager can be found here.

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