Delta Air Lines supports Michigan SAF legislation
Delta Air Lines supports Michigan’s bipartisan bills offering up to \$2/gallon tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) starting in 2026. The legislation promotes SAF use from Michigan-grown corn and soybeans, aiming to cut emissions and boost rural economies. Delta sees it as key to achieving net-zero goals while strengthening agriculture and ensuring cleaner, affordable aviation fuel.
Delta Air Lines on May 7 announced its strong support for new bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will accelerate the growth of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Michigan while strengthening the state’s agricultural economy and creating new opportunities for farmers.
Senate Bills 235-36, introduced by Sens. Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Joe Bellino (R-Monroe), and House Bills 4424-25, introduced by Rep. Jerry Neyer, (R-Shepherd), would establish a $1.50 per gallon tax credit for the purchase, production, or blending of SAF starting in 2026. The credit increases to $2 per gallon for fuels that deliver greater reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. The SAF will then be used for flights that depart from Michigan.
“This bipartisan plan will make aviation fuel more accessible and affordable and will help us realize the global vision we spelled out in our landmark Clean Energy Future plan,” Sen. Singh said. “Decarbonizing the aviation sector will not be easy, but we have to start somewhere. Working collaboratively with our farmers and producers will simultaneously reduce carbon emissions in our atmosphere and support our Michigan economy. By tackling this monumental task, we continue to prove that Michigan is a global leader in protecting our environment.”
Rep. Neyer, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, said: “Whether we like it or not, things are changing in Michigan. New clean energy standards are quickly approaching, and pending policy changes from the feds have left corn and soybean farmers with a ‘let’s wait and see’ mentality. And who can blame them? The demand for their products could change with one press conference. This bipartisan plan is a practical solution that will reduce emissions, promote economic growth, and take care of our farmers. By incentivizing the private sector to produce and blend SAF here in Michigan, we can encourage cleaner skies and boost the agriculture industry at the same time.”
By encouraging the use of Michigan-grown feedstocks such as corn and soybeans, the legislation is poised to open new markets for farmers, helping revitalize rural economies and reinforcing the vital connection between agriculture and energy innovation.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is more than just an environmental solution—it’s a powerful economic opportunity for Michigan’s important agriculture industry,” said Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines. “This legislation would help unlock the full potential of homegrown feedstocks to fuel our aircraft and the ag economy. At Delta, we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this legislation gives us the chance to do it in a way that also supports family farms and rural communities across the state.”
The agriculture industry stands to benefit significantly from the emerging SAF market. By using renewable feedstocks from Michigan farms, SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel while also creating stable demand for corn and soybean growers.
“Access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable energy products is critical to long-term economic growth,” Sen. Bellino said. “I am proud to be part of a commonsense, bipartisan approach to enlisting Michigan farmers in the effort to provide cleaner aviation fuel in our state. It is a proactive solution that supports our local farmers, boosts our agriculture industry, and better ensures stable fuel costs — all while also helping cut harmful emissions.”
John Delmotte, President of the Michigan Corn Growers Association and Sen. Bellino’s constituent, said: “This legislation mirrors the successful strategy that made ethanol a staple of American energy—using smart tax credits to create a market-driven solution to benefit farmers, consumers, and our environment. Just like with ethanol, SAF tax credits represent a direct investment in rural America, with huge reverberating benefits. This approach also aligns with President Trump’s goal of prioritizing domestic energy production and American jobs. By advancing SAF, we’re laying the foundation for sustained economic growth across the entire agriculture value chain.”
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Source : Ethanol Producer Magazine
