An aviation maintenance technician loads sustainable aviation fuel into a 2021 Boeing Demonstrator. [Courtesy: Boeing]
Key Takeaways:
The Biden administration has established new subsidy rules for corn farmers to supply feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), redirecting ethanol production from a diminishing gasoline market to aviation.
To qualify for subsidies ($1.25-$1.75/gallon), farmers must implement "climate-smart" practices, and the resulting SAF must reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% compared to traditional jet fuel.
While the farm community supports the initiative, environmentalists express concerns that a focus on corn-based SAF could impede the development of even more environmentally friendly alternatives.
The Biden administration has established rules for corn farmers to qualify for subsidies to supply feedstock for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The corn is now used to make ethanol, which is added to gasoline, but the move to electric cars will diminish that market. Ethanol can be turned into jet-A, however, and will cut the carbon footprint of jet fuel.
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Russ Niles is Editor-in-Chief of AVweb. He has been a pilot for 30 years and joined AVweb 22 years ago. He and his wife Marni live in southern British Columbia where they also operate a small winery.
