Tammy Duckworth

09/25/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/26/2024 08:11

Duckworth, Moran, Boozman, Klobuchar Launch Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus

September 25, 2024

Duckworth, Moran, Boozman, Klobuchar Launch Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)-Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation-U.S. Senator and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Boozman (R-AR) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) recently launched the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus to promote the longevity of the aviation industry and renewable fuels.

"As we continue our work to reduce emissions and foster energy independence, one of the most important things we can do is make aviation more sustainable by increasing the use and supply of American-grown, American-made sustainable aviation fuel," said Senator Duckworth. "To help us do just that, I'm proud to join Senators Moran, Klobuchar and Boozman in launching the Senate's first-ever Sustainable Aviation Caucus. With this new caucus, I look forward to continuing our work to protect and grow American SAF production for use around the world, while also reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our domestic farmers and economy."

"As the aviation industry strives for lower emissions and cleaner energy sources, the development and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel will be a critical element," said Senator Moran. "To help spur development, I am launching the Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus. The caucus will work together to find ways to promote technologically innovative solutions to create a sustainable aviation industry and increase our nation's competitiveness in the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel."

"I'm pleased to join this initiative to promote education and policies that support sustainable industry practices," said Senator Boozman. "I look forward to working with leaders of the caucus and stakeholders to advance measures that continue to advance aviation in an environmentally sound manner."

"Airlines across the country are committed to developing technologies to reduce carbon emissions from air travel," said Senator Klobuchar. "The expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel will create jobs in rural areas, bolster our national security, and slash carbon emissions. This caucus aims to promote data, research, and innovation in sustainable aviation to ensure that the U.S. maintains its leadership in this field."

Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Earlier this year, she helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act which would help accelerate the production and development of SAF through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs to allow further growth for alternative fuels to be used in the aviation sector and create new markets for American farmers.

Last year, Duckworth introduced the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 which would identify the standards required to meet the definition of SAF at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additionally, the Senator created a pilot project in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to promote the use of SAF at military installations and will continue to increase these efforts to expand the use on biofuels whenever possible.

Congresswoman Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL) also created the Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus for members of the U.S. House of Representatives.

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