Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA) Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced a bipartisan bill this Tuesday, that would require Sustainable Aviation Fuel’s sustainability score to be defined by the GREET model, which accurately portrays the environmental benefits of corn-based ethanol.

The Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 supports the use of Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies (GREET) Model. The GREET model is the most accurate modeling of GHG emissions of corn-based ethanol available. The legislation complements the Biden Administration’s goal of producing at least 3 billion gallons of SAF per year by 2030.

“One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of American-grown, American-made, sustainable aviation fuel,” said Duckworth. “I’m proud to partner with Senator Fischer, along with Senators Ernst, Klobuchar and Grassley, to introduce our bipartisan bill that will protect and ‘grow’ our sustainable aviation fuel sources stemming from America’s agricultural bounty, representing a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our carbon footprint.”

“The GREET model leads the industry and accounts for ethanol’s ability to lower carbon emissions,” said Matt Rush, a farmer from Fairfield, Illinois, and the President of the IL Corn Growers Association. “We applaud Senator Duckworth for her work ensuring the sustainability efforts of corn farmers are recognized in new carbon reduction policies.”  

Illinois leads the nation as the first state to pass a tax credit for SAF. As of June 1, the legislation created a $1.50 tax credit per gallon for the renewable fuel.