Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Production Pathways (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Dec. 12, 2024 |
| Report Number |
IF12847 |
| Report Type |
In Focus |
| Authors |
Kelsi Bracmort |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
Many in Congress have expressed an interest in sustainable
aviation fuel (SAF)—a nascent industry. SAF may
potentially provide market opportunities for both
agricultural producers and biofuel producers; it meets
international aviation requirements (e.g., ReFuelEU
Aviation regulation); and it may satisfy consumer requests
for more environmentally-friendly aviation fuel. With these
potential opportunities comes potential challenges such as
producing a large amount of SAF within a certain
timeframe at a preferred cost, satisfying SAF tax credit
criteria (e.g., domestic production criteria, lifecycle
greenhouse gas emissions reduction criteria), and
ascertaining what the primary feedstocks and production
pathways for SAF in the United States will be for the nearand long-term. In 2024 both chambers of Congress formed
sustainable aviation caucuses: the House Congressional
Sustainable Aviation Caucus and the Senate Sustainable
Aviation Caucus.
SAF must be produced to qualify for SAF government
programs, tax incentives, and more as explained in CRS In
Focus IF12757, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): An
Overview of Current Laws and Legislation Introduced in
the 118th Congress. SAF production can occur in a variety
of ways. This CRS product provides a general summary of
SAF production pathways; it is not a technical or
comprehensive explanation.
