California's push for sustainable aviation fuel faces industry pushback

USAgNet - 01/11/2024

California's recent proposal by the Air Resources Board, aimed at increasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage, has stirred a mix of reactions. Set to remove the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) exemption for jet fuel in 2028, this move targets a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within the state's transportation sector.

Airlines are voicing strong concerns over the proposal's ambitious nature, questioning the practicality and potential costs involved. This apprehension is shared by the soybean industry, which is anxious about the sustainability requirements for agricultural feedstocks that could arise.

Currently, intrastate jet fuel, the focus of this initiative, constitutes approximately 10% of California's total jet fuel consumption and is responsible for about 2% of the transportation sector's greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed amendments aim to address this impact directly.

A detailed review of the SAF proposal is underway, with stakeholders from the growing SAF industry and broader agricultural sector preparing to submit their feedback. Public discussions are scheduled for March, offering a platform for further debate and considerations.

This move by California signifies a bold step towards environmental sustainability, reflecting the state's ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions. However, balancing environmental goals with industry concerns remains a complex challenge, underscoring the need for collaborative solutions in the evolving landscape of sustainable aviation and agriculture.

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