Alaska Airlines promotes sustainable aviation fuels in US state of Washington

Alaska Airlines has been commended for including sustainable aviation fuels on an opt-in basis in Washington State’s proposed Clean Fuels Programme in the US.

Welcoming the news, the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) Producer Group, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) and the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition (LCFC) said: “Alaska Airlines’ support of Washington’s low carbon fuel legislation signals that transportation companies who look to the future are embracing renewable fuel policy.

“Alaska is the dominant carrier at the rapidly expanding Sea-Tac Airport and has been at the forefront of utilising sustainable aviation fuel to lower carbon emissions. Standing with Governor Inslee, Climate Solutions, the American Lung Association, and the Auto Alliance, the aviation industry is working to decarbonise the skies.”

The SAF Producer Group comprises leading producers and developers of sustainable aviation fuels, including Fulcrum, Gevo, Neste, Red Rock, Velocys and World Energy.

In November last year, BIO and the LCFC launched a joint initiative to drive adoption of renewable fuel policies in US states. The organisations will work to advance policies that will support green energy breakthroughs to decarbonise transportation, which leads all other sectors in greenhouse gas emissions.

Commenting at the time, Stephanie Batchelor, vice-president of BIO’s industrial and environmental branch, said: “State low carbon fuel policies are a proven driver in decarbonising transportation. If done right, these policies will incentivise biofuel producers to develop new low carbon fuels using sustainable sources like agricultural residues, industrial waste and even algae.”

The US state of California has been leading the way in decarbonising its transport sector. Since implemented its comparable low carbon fuel standard in 2011, the state has prevented over 50 million tonnes of carbon from being emitted.

The programme has also increased the clean fuels market by $2.8 billion (€2.5 billion), benefitting rural communities where the feedstocks are grown and biofuels are produced.