President Biden is taking steps to advance the use of cleaner and more sustainable fuels in American aviation. The actions across the Departments of Energy, Transportation, Agriculture, Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the General Services Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency should result in the production and use of billions of gallons of sustainable fuel that will enable aviation emissions to drop 20% by 2030 when compared to business as usual.

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has welcomed the announcement: “NATA applauds the Biden Administration's efforts to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in business aviation, and we look forward to partnering with the White House and federal agencies as they work on multiple fronts to scale production and strengthen industry collaboration in achieving environmental goals,” says NATA president and CEO Timothy Obitts. “Business aviation has long been a proponent of SAF adoption as a crucial element in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the coordination between the administration, agencies and industry is critical to more expeditiously achieve our shared mission for a cleaner future.”

Biden has proposed a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit as part of the Build Back Better Agenda. The credit will help to cut costs and increase domestic production of sustainable fuels for aviation. The proposed tax credit requires at least a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and offers increased incentives for greater reductions.

Key federal actions include a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge to inspire the dramatic increase in the production of sustainable aviation fuels to at least 3 billion gallons per year by 2030; new and ongoing funding opportunities to support sustainable aviation fuel projects and fuel producers totaling up to $4.3 billion; an increase in R&D activities to demonstrate new technologies that can achieve at least a 30% improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency; efforts to improve air traffic and airport efficiency to reduce fuel use, eliminate lead exposure and ensure cleaner air in and around airports; and the demonstration of U.S. leadership both internationally and through the federal example.