Farm to Fly Act offered by Moran, Ernst to ramp up biofuels use in aviation sector

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Tuesday proposed a bipartisan bill that would help expand the use of alternative fuels in the aviation sector, while also creating new markets for American farmers.

Sen. Moran sponsored the Farm to Fly Act, S. 3637, with four original cosponsors, including Sen. Ernst and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), to accelerate the production and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through existing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a promising alternative fuel source that can provide new markets for farmers while increasing our domestic energy production and security,” Sen. Moran said. “This legislation would increase the accessibility of biofuel for commercial use and directly support rural America and its farmers, the agriculture industry, and the aviation sector.”

Specifically, S. 3637 would utilize current USDA programs to support the development of SAF, clarify federal definitions for SAF, and enable more collaboration between USDA and the private sector, the summary says.

Sen. Ernst said that as the nation works toward energy independence, the U.S. Greenhouse gasses, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies (GREET) model will play a key role in allowing biofuels to meet the needs of the U.S. aviation industry and create new markets for biofuel producers, particularly those in her home state of Iowa.

“An investment in the development of sustainable aviation fuel is an investment in our national security, our environment, and our farmers,” said Sen. Ernst. 

“Alternative energies like sustainable aviation fuel create jobs in rural areas, bolster our national security, and reduce carbon emissions from air travel,” added Sen. Klobuchar. “This bipartisan bill with Sens. Moran and Ernst will be another step forward in securing new markets for domestically produced biofuel.”

S. 3637 is the companion bill to the same-named H.R. 6271, introduced on Nov. 7, 2023, by U.S. Reps. Max Miller (R-OH), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Ashley Hinson (R-IA).

The bill is supported by the Kansas Corn Growers Association, the National Sorghum Producers, the Kansas Soybean Association, Gevo, Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, and Airlines for America.