Washington Unlocks Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit of Up to $2 per Gallon
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson announced in Olympia on November 6 that a new state tax credit for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been unlocked: Washington's industry reached the milestone needed to trigger the credit — the ability to produce at least 20 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel annually in the state — and the Department of Ecology confirmed this week that the threshold had been met. The Governor's Office said the credit gives Washington the strongest set of sustainable aviation fuel incentives in the country.
The credit offers $1 per gallon for jet fuels that generate at least 50% lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, and up to $2 per gallon for fuels with even lower emissions. Sustainable aviation fuels are made from sources like agricultural crops, waste products or synthetic materials. Washington is the only state in the country that offers a sustainable aviation fuel tax credit and has a clean fuel standard, and producers can also take advantage of the federal Renewable Fuel Standard.
"Aerospace has long been a cornerstone of Washington's economy, supporting generations of good-paying jobs and driving innovation across our state," Ferguson said. "It's also in our DNA to make big bets on bold ideas, which is what we're doing with sustainable aviation fuels. Between our long history of aviation innovation, our intentional investments into the sector and our climate-forward policies, we're making sure Washington is the best state in the country to produce sustainable aviation fuels." Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller said the credit will support the state's aerospace industry and put Washington "in the pilot's seat for the future of aviation," adding that it is good for the climate and for business.
Washington has made major investments in the SAF industry over the last two years: state funding is helping to build SkyNRG's new production facility in Walla Walla, establish Washington State University as a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel research, and fund the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator. In June, Ferguson joined sustainable aviation fuel startup Twelve to celebrate the opening of its facility in Moses Lake, which combines carbon dioxide with water and clean electricity to make fuel. Alaska Airlines and Boeing also voiced support for the credit; Boeing noted that sustainable aviation fuel can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel.
(Source: Office of the Governor of Washington)
Source: Office of the Governor of Washington
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：一架空客A320客机正在机场加油（资料图）。Deni Williams 摄，CC BY 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: An Airbus A320 being refuelled at an airport (file photo). Photo by Deni Williams, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
