# Plain Language Summary: Farm to Fly Act of 2023

This bill creates a new category of fuel called "sustainable aviation fuel" and makes it eligible for federal agricultural support programs. Right now, the Department of Agriculture has various programs that help develop and fund biofuels—fuels made from plants and agricultural materials instead of oil. This bill expands those programs to specifically include sustainable aviation fuel, which is a cleaner-burning jet fuel made from agricultural products like vegetable oils, animal fats, and other plant-based materials. The fuel must meet strict environmental standards, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to traditional jet fuel, and cannot be made from palm oil or petroleum.

The practical effect is that farmers and companies developing sustainable aviation fuel can now access the same government loans, grants, and support programs that have traditionally helped develop other biofuels. This opens up new business opportunities for farmers who can sell their crops as feedstock for fuel production, and it encourages companies to build facilities that convert agricultural materials into jet fuel. The bill also directs the Department of Agriculture to coordinate across all its agencies to support this emerging industry, essentially making sustainable aviation fuel a priority across the entire department.

For everyday people, this matters because it could help reduce aviation's environmental impact while supporting rural economies and farmers. Airlines using this fuel would reduce their carbon emissions, and rural communities could benefit from new agricultural markets and manufacturing jobs. However, the bill doesn't directly affect consumers' costs or require airlines to use this fuel—it simply makes it easier and more financially attractive for the industry to develop and produce it.

Farm to Fly Act of 2023

Miller, Max L.

Farm to Fly Act of 2023This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to integrate the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels into its programs.Specifically, this bill includes sustainable aviation fuel as an advanced&nbsp;biofuel for the purposes of several USDA&nbsp;bioenergy programs that primarily provide support and incentives for renewable energy projects.For purposes of these programs, the bill defines sustainable aviation fuel as liquid fuel, the portion of which is not kerosene, which (1) meets specific international standards, (2) is not derived from coprocessing specific materials (e.g., triglycerides) with a non-biomass feedstock, (3) is not derived from palm fatty acid distillates or petroleum, and (4) is certified as having a lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reduction percentage of at least 50% compared with petroleum-based jet fuel (based on specific standards and agreements).In addition, the bill specifically&nbsp;includes fostering and advancing sustainable aviation fuels as part of the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program.Further, USDA must carry out a comprehensive and integrated pursuit of all USDA mission areas for the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels, including through<ul><li>the identification of opportunities to maximize the development and commercialization of the fuels,</li><li>supporting rural economic development through improved sustainability for aviation, and</li><li>advancing public-private partnerships.</li></ul>