On July 10th, the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) hosted a fly-in with Washington state stakeholders from across the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply chain to meet with federal legislators and advocate for policies crucial to bolstering the SAF industry. The policy recommendations were developed following a roundtable C2ES hosted in Seattle in April 2024 that brought together nearly 40 participants from across the state.
These federal policy recommendations aim to unlock greater private investment in SAF production, support the buildout of SAF infrastructure, accelerate SAF utilization, and encourage equitable workforce development in the SAF industry. During 17 meetings on Capitol Hill, stakeholders made the case for the climate and economic benefits these federal policies would create by accelerating development of the SAF industry in Washington state and across the country.
An introduction to advocacy on the Hill
As a C2ES intern, participating in the fly-in was a rewarding opportunity to visit Capitol Hill for the first time and experience legislative advocacy first-hand. From feeling the enthusiasm in every room to meeting influential members of Congress who took the time to listen to our policy recommendations, the undeniable energy fueled me through a full day of discussions.
Meeting directly with members of Congress and their staffs presented an opportunity to be truly heard by elected officials. Each representative was genuinely interested in learning what they could do to advance SAF. Even when a member was unavailable for a meeting, I found myself inspired by the extensive knowledge and responsibility of congressional staffers, tasked with the critical role of turning constituent asks into federal policy.
The fly-in gave me a look into the federal policymaking process, which I no longer view as an untouchable engine of change. In fact, this experience has taught me that constituents have a powerful voice and can make a significant impact through direct engagement with their representatives.
Washington stakeholders bring a persuasive voice to D.C.
Participants in the fly-in offered insights from a state known for its leadership in aviation, and as constituents, were able to directly engage with legislators and emphasize SAF as a policy priority for Washington representatives. The sheer number and variety of industries represented by participants increase the visibility and credibility of our shared priorities.
Stakeholders encompassed the full spectrum of the SAF supply chain, from airlines and airports to fuel producers and labor organizations. Each stakeholder brought unique expertise that enhanced the depth and relevance of the discussions. One Congressional staff member even commented on the impact of meeting with the breadth of the supply chain, noting that it illustrated the full policy needs across the SAF industry and exhibited widespread support for the policy recommendations.
Federal policies complement state-level progress
Washington state is leading the nation in state-level SAF policy, demonstrating a strong commitment to decarbonizing the aviation industry. In 2021, Washington established a clean fuel standard, and in 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed a law incentivizing SAF production and supporting the industry through collaboration among government agencies and research institutions.
However, federal action must complement state-level progress to scale up SAF production and utilization at the pace necessary to meet midcentury decarbonization targets. To ensure that Washington’s—and the nation’s—SAF industry can fully realize its potential, it is essential to address the federal policy needs outlined by key stakeholders. Acting now at the federal level will provide the necessary support to help Washington’s efforts achieve broader impact and unlock the climate and economic benefits of SAF across the country.
Upcoming opportunities for SAF legislation
There are legislative opportunities that could be used as vehicles to advance the SAF policy on a national level. For example, the House version of the 2024 Farm Bill, titled the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, includes language defining SAF as an advanced biofuel. Representative Max Miller (R-OH-07) led an effort to incorporate provisions from the bipartisan Farm to Fly Act, which would help bolster domestic SAF production.
Furthermore, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017, is set to expire at the end of 2025. This expiration presents an opportunity for a discussion of how SAF tax credits could be extended in a new version of the legislation.
The fly-in highlighted the crucial role of federal support in accelerating the SAF industry in Washington state and across the country. Moreover, the event is evidence of how local, state-specific discussions, such as C2ES’s regional roundtables, can be effectively translated into actionable federal policy recommendations and advocacy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to experience the impact of direct advocacy and look forward to seeing how the advancement of SAF legislation can decarbonize the aviation industry.