Alternative Fuels for Reducing the Contribution of Aviation to Climate Change

This paper examines possibilities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation through alternative aviation fuels with lower life-cycle emissions. After discussing various technological options for such fuels, the paper considers how various policies in the United States and other countries affect their production and usage. The paper also outlines a possible policy mechanism for reducing the carbon intensity of aviation fuel in the United States and highlights important questions that must be addressed to increase the use of low-carbon fuels.

Keywords: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Environmental Policy

JEL Codes: L93, Q42, Q58, R48

Nafisa Lohawala

Fellow

Nafisa Lohawala

Michael A. Toman

Senior Fellow

Michael A. Toman is a senior fellow at RFF. His current research interests include critical minerals for decarbonization, carbon dioxide removals, markets for emission reduction credits, and climate change policies in developing countries.

Emily Joiner

Research Associate

Emily Joiner is a research associate at RFF.

Common Resources - Nov 19, 2024

Supporting Policies for Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Key Areas for Further Research

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Common Resources - Nov 14, 2024

Promoting Sustainable Aviation Fuels: Considerations for Policymakers

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Media Highlight - Oct 11, 2024

Axios: "On My Screen: Fracking and Carbon Removal"

A new blog post by RFF Fellow Daniel Raimi is the subject of a segment in this newsletter.

Resources Magazine - Oct 7, 2024

Elections Matter. So Does Policy Research.

As the presidential election nears, and regardless of outcome, researchers at Resources for the Future continue to pursue work that will inspire interest, bipartisan coalitions, and progress on policy issues, given the political resilience of the topics.