SAF Legislative Support

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) are an important component of the global effort to reduce the environmental impact of air travel. Many countries have recognized the potential of SAFs and have taken legislative and regulatory measures to support their development and use. Some examples include:

United States: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented the Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions, and Noise (CLEEN) program, which supports the development and use of SAFs. Additionally, the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program mandates the blending of renewable fuels, including SAFs, into transportation fuel.
California: The state of California-USA is actively promoting the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) through a variety of legislative, regulatory, and incentive-based measures. Key initiatives include:
- Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS): Administered by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the LCFS aims to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuels by setting specific reduction targets. Under the LCFS, fuel suppliers are encouraged to blend SAFs with conventional jet fuel to lower their overall carbon intensity and earn credits that can be traded in the market.
- Research and Development: California invests in research and development of SAFs through organizations such as the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development (CalSEED) initiative. These investments support innovative technologies and help accelerate their commercialization.
- Partnerships and Collaborations: California has been fostering collaborations between industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and government agencies to drive SAF development and adoption. Examples include the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), which brings together various stakeholders to promote SAFs and address technical, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Incentives and Grants: The state offers financial incentives, such as grants, to support the production and use of SAFs. For instance, the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority (CAEATFA) offers tax exemptions and financial assistance for the development of advanced biofuels, including SAFs.
- Climate Change Policies: California has ambitious climate change goals, which indirectly promote the use of SAFs by encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. The state’s Global Warming Solutions Act (AB 32) and the executive order B-55-18 set targets for achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

European Union: The EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) promotes the use of renewable energy sources in the aviation sector. The RED II, which took effect in 2021, sets a minimum target for the use of advanced biofuels, including SAFs, in aviation. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) also encourages the use of SAFs by allowing airlines to reduce their emissions allowances by using these fuels.
United Kingdom: The UK government has established the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative (SAFI), which provides funding for the development and deployment of SAF technologies. Additionally, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) mandates that a percentage of the fuel used in transportation must come from renewable sources, including SAFs.
Norway: Norway has implemented a biofuel mandate for aviation, requiring that a minimum of 0.5% of all jet fuel sold in the country be composed of SAFs starting in 2020. The government plans to gradually increase this requirement to 30% by 2030.
Brazil: The Brazilian government has developed the RenovaBio program, which aims to increase the use of biofuels, including SAFs, in the transportation sector. The program sets annual decarbonization targets for fuel distributors, incentivizing the blending of SAFs with conventional jet fuel.
Australia: The Australian government has established the Advancing Renewables Program, which provides funding for renewable energy projects, including SAF development. The government also supports the implementation of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which encourages the use of SAFs to offset emissions.
Canada: Canada has implemented the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation fuels, including SAFs. The CFS sets carbon intensity reduction targets for fuel suppliers and provides incentives for the use of low-carbon fuels such as SAFs.

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