NATA Applauds Provision in House Infrastructure Package Supporting Sustainable Jet Fuel Programs

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) applauded the inclusion of language in H.R. 2, “The Moving Forward Act,” which supports the industry’s goal to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels in business aviation.

The bill authorizes $5,000,000 annually through 2025, to be appropriated from the general fund of the Treasury to be used exclusively for work performed by the Center of Excellence for Alternative Jet Fuels and Environment, including toward “programs to assess and reduce the environmental impacts of aviation and to improve the health and quality of life of individuals living in and around airport communities.” The FAA will oversee the distribution of the funds. The bill also authorizes $30 million per year for the study and development of sustainable aviation fuels over the same period.

“The aviation business community is at the forefront of the transition to sustainable fuels and is taking proactive measures towards building a sustainable future. NATA is pleased to be a part of an industry coalition formed in part to highlight sustainable aviation fuels’ viability, safety, and benefit toward aviation-emissions reduction in business aviation and assist our members in demonstrating their sustainability commitment. We believe that provisions like these that affirm and assist our collective efforts will help foster the impactful breakthroughs and long-term progress our industry is working to contribute through innovation, collaboration, and education,” stated NATA President and CEO Timothy Obitts. “We thank Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR), Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Oversight and Reform Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raúl Grijalva for recognizing the importance of transitioning to sustainable fuels.”

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.