H.R.1594 - Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1594, the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act, aims to promote the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the United States. The bill establishes national goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, sets definitions for key terms like 'sustainable aviation fuel' and 'qualified feedstock,' and amends existing legislation to support SAF production and usage.
Key provisions include establishing a low carbon aviation fuel standard, incentivizing SAF procurement by the Department of Defense, and authorizing research and development programs related to SAF. The bill also introduces tax credits and extends existing credits to encourage SAF production and investment.
Ultimately, the Act seeks to transition the aviation sector towards net-zero emissions by 2050 through a combination of mandates, incentives, and research initiatives focused on sustainable aviation fuels.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is an increase in the production and utilization of sustainable aviation fuels within the United States. This shift aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.
This will be achieved through a combination of government mandates, financial incentives, and research programs. It will also likely spur innovation in the development and deployment of SAF technologies.
Potential Benefits
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Creation of new jobs in the sustainable aviation fuel industry, including feedstock production, fuel processing, and distribution.
- Increased energy independence by diversifying fuel sources and reducing reliance on traditional petrochemicals.
- Support for rural economies through the development of new markets for agricultural feedstocks used in SAF production.
- Advancement of aviation technology and innovation, potentially leading to more efficient and sustainable aircraft designs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in the cost of air travel due to the higher production costs associated with sustainable aviation fuel.
- Possible unintended environmental consequences related to feedstock production, such as land-use changes and water consumption.
- Risk of relying on unproven or inefficient SAF technologies, leading to limited emissions reductions.
- Potential for increased tax burden to fund the various incentives and research programs outlined in the bill.
- Uncertainty regarding the long-term availability and scalability of sustainable aviation fuel feedstocks.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, which allows Congress to enact laws that promote the overall well-being of the nation. The promotion of sustainable energy sources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions can be argued to fall under this clause.
Furthermore, the bill's provisions related to interstate commerce and regulation of air travel are consistent with Congress's power to regulate commerce among the states (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The spending authorizations are subject to appropriations, which is a power granted to Congress in Article I, Section 9, Clause 7.
There are no apparent violations of individual rights or freedoms protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).