A strategic opportunity for the US

By Steve Toon, CEO BioVeritas

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) represents a pivotal opportunity for the United States to lead in clean energy innovation while bolstering economic prosperity, national security, and rural revitalization. With bipartisan support, SAF has the potential to create high-quality jobs, enhance energy independence, and ensure America remains at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global economy. As global industries prioritize decarbonization, SAF offers an immediate and scalable solution to meet this unwavering global demandwhile also driving U.S. economic growth. 

Strengthening American Competitiveness and Energy Independence 

The aviation industry is a critical pillar of the U.S. economy, contributing more than $1.9 trillion annually and supporting millions of jobs. However, as global economies prioritize sustainability, American airlines and businesses must keep pace with international mandates for decarbonization. The European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, for example, sets a target of % SAF use by 2035. Without proactive policy measures, U.S. industries risk falling behind in the global market. 

By investing in SAF, America can diversify its energy portfolio and bolster its energy independence. Unlike traditional jet fuel, which is subject to global price volatility, SAF can be produced domestically using American feedstocks. This reduces supply chain disruptions, enhances national security, and keeps energy dollars within the U.S. economy. Furthermore, with ongoing geopolitical instability affecting fossil fuel supplies, increasing SAF production ensures greater control over energy resources, reducing exposure to unpredictable market fluctuations. 

Empowering Rural America and American Farmers 

SAF is more than just an environmental solution—it is an economic boon for rural America. American farmers stand to benefit tremendously as demand for domestic feedstocks, such as corn, soybeans, and the resulting agricultural residues rises with the growth of SAF.  The SAF industry is expected to generate  153,000 direct jobs and an additional 250,000 indirect jobs across the supply chain, providing well-paying opportunities not just in farming, but also in research and development, manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and construction. 

The U.S. agricultural sector has long played a central role in supporting national energy security, and the growth of SAF provides an exciting new avenue for economic expansion. Farmers are innovators seeking to enhance productivity, and SAF empowers farmers to do exactly that. The growth of SAF can expand American agriculture’s environmental resilience through precision agriculture, soil conservation techniques, and water- and fertilizer-efficient systems, improving yields and reducing costs.  SAF feedstock production can ensure long-term financial stability for farming communities.  

Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Sustainable Aviation Caucus, has championed SAF as a driver of rural economic development. By prioritizing homegrown biofuel production, the U.S. can reduce its dependence on imported energy while revitalizing farming communities with new revenue streams. This ensures that the benefits of SAF extend beyond environmental gains to tangible economic growth in states that rely on agriculture. 

Incentivizing Growth for Energy Dominance 

As with any breakthrough technology in a competitive market, upfront investment is crucial to make it viable versus incumbent processes that have benefitted from years of optimization and established economies of scale. American industry has, and will continue to be, the driver of economic growth.  Government can play an important role in supporting the entrepreneurs that drive innovation.  This is in the form of targeted incentives that accelerate commercialization by helping to bridge the initial investment gap, enabling game-changing technologies to scale, become competitive, and drive long-term economic growth. A prime example is P.L. 117-169, Section 45Z, which offers production tax credits for the near term, helping SAF become more financially viable.  Programs such as this bolster America’s position as the global energy, and SAF, leader. 

These incentives also signal to investors and the market at large that the U.S. is serious about energy dominance. Long-term federal support will be essential in scaling up production, improving infrastructure, and driving technological advancements in SAF development.  This creates an opportunity for policymakers to support the American entrepreneur, ensuring that the U.S. is the global leader in energy production and sustainable aviation. 

Moreover, continued investment in research and development can help lower production costs and expand the range of available and usable feedstocks. Further research could even enable utilization of waste and agricultural residues creating new value and relieving existing burdens. While private industry is a key driver of this research, programs such as the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office can support America’s technological edge in biofuels innovation. 

A Bipartisan Opportunity for Economic and Environmental Leadership 

SAF presents a rare opportunity for bipartisan collaboration. It supports core Republican priorities such as job creation, energy security, and rural economic development while aligning with Democratic goals of reducing carbon emissions and advancing clean energy innovation. By solidifying incentives and streamlining regulatory frameworks, Congress can help American industry accelerate SAF adoption, ensuring that both industry and the American people reap the benefits. 

Conclusion 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not just an environmental initiative—it is a strategic imperative for American economic growth, energy independence, and global competitiveness. By solidifying incentives and developing long-term policy frameworks, policymakers can create an environment where the American entrepreneurs pioneering SAF thrive and create value for investors, customers, farmers and more. In doing so, the United States will remain at the forefront of innovation and position itself as the global leader in the diverse landscape of aviation fuel, creating economic opportunity that benefits all Americans.