CHICAGO, Ill. -- Today, corn farmers and the ethanol industry were recognized by Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker and United Airlines as a sustainable partner in lowering the aviation industry’s carbon footprint.  

During a press conference, the airline announced it is the first company to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. United’s one million gallons of SAF will begin arriving at O’Hare in August.

"Since day one as Governor, I've committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit last year," said Governor JB Pritzker in a press release. "Illinois's position as a hub of innovation with some of the most connected airports in the country perfectly aligns with the work of companies like United to build a more sustainable future for travel and reach our shared goal of zero emissions."

In 2020, United pledged to reduce 100% of the company’s carbon emissions by 2050.

“I am excited to see United and our state’s leadership recognize the environmental and economic benefits corn offers our transportation sector,” Victoria farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander said. “The SAF market will lower carbon emissions and has the opportunity to deliver the economic impact that will rejuvenate rural America.”

The ethanol-to-jet process allows corn to serve as a low carbon feedstock for SAF production. SAF made of corn is molecularly identical to petroleum jet fuel. Corn-based SAF can reduce carbon emissions by over 50% when compared to conventional aviation fuel.

Illinois is uniquely positioned to be a national SAF leader as the first state with a $1.50 SAF purchaser tax credit. This is the first time United has applied for the credit in Illinois. The state SAF purchaser incentive will expire December 31, 2032.

A champion of corn, biofuels and SAF, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D- Ill.) shared her support in a press release. "I'm pleased to see United Airlines making this significant move forward by using sustainable aviation fuel daily in flights from O'Hare," Duckworth said. "One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is increase the supply of SAF. At the federal level, I've been pushing for the increased use of SAF, and I'm going to keep pushing to increase the supply of American-grown, American-made SAF, a true win-win solution that supports domestic farmers and blenders while reducing our nation's carbon footprint."

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About the IL Corn Growers Association

IL Corn Growers Association is a state-based organization that represents the interests of corn farmers in Illinois, maintaining a high profile on issues in Washington, DC, and Springfield, IL. Through grassroots advocacy, ICGA creates a future for Illinois farmers in which they can operate freely, responsibly, and successfully. In order to fulfill this mission, the organization conducts governmental affairs activities at all levels, market development projects, and educational and member service programs. For further information regarding their work and involvement, visit their website www.ilcorn.org.