December 01, 2021

Casten Flies from Chicago to Washington, DC on the First Passenger Flight Using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in History

Chicago, Illinois – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) flew from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington, DC to celebrate the first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) along with U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.

The flight operated using SAF, an alternative jet fuel that can provide up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions. The right engine used 100% SAF demonstrating the viability of using 100% SAF to achieve an even lower carbon footprint so that airlines can move toward a future of flight with lower carbon emissions.

"Today's flight is a monumental step forward in decarbonizing our airline industry, which accounts for 12% of all transportation related emissions," said Rep. Sean Casten. "Not only was I proud to ensure the inclusion of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit in the Build Back Better Act, but I'm also excited to co-sponsor the Sustainable Skies Act which will further help the aviation sector reach net-zero by 2050. These investments coupled with the $616 million I helped secure for Illinois' airports in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act President Biden signed into law last month will place our state at the forefront of clean energy innovation–positioning us to lead the country as the economic hub of sustainable manufacturing and technology."

You can watch Rep. Casten's remarks from the pre-flight reception by clicking here.

 

 

As a former clean energy entrepreneur, Casten has been focused on decarbonizing the economy including the transportation sector since coming to Congress. Casten supported the inclusion of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit in the Build Back Better Act, which starts at $1.25 per gallon for blenders that can demonstrate a 50% or greater lifecycle estimate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard jet fuel. When passed by the Senate, this legislation will help reduce aviation emissions, which currently represent two percent of the world's carbon emissions.

Additionally, resiliency investments were secured by the Congressman in the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) signed by President Biden include $25 billion for airport infrastructure improvements across the country, including an estimated $616 million over the next five years for airports here in Illinois.

From IIJA airport infrastructure improvements, to Sustainable Aviation fuel tax credits, to securing over $149 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state, Rep. Casten is committed to ensuring Illinois remains at the forefront of sustainable transportation technology and deployment.

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