Minnesota pushes sustainable aviation fuel development with Senate bill 1312

The Minnesota Senate's Committee on Taxes convened on February 26, 2025, to discuss critical developments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and its implications for the state's economy and agricultural sector. The meeting featured testimonies from various stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of legislative support for SAF initiatives.

Commissioner of Agriculture, **Jeff Davidman**, opened the discussion by highlighting Minnesota's competitive position in the SAF market, particularly in light of investments from companies like Delta Airlines and Cargill. He stressed the need for tax credits and incentives to attract further investment in SAF production, noting that neighboring states are also vying for similar opportunities. Davidman pointed out that Minnesota's existing infrastructure and agricultural initiatives, such as the Forever Green initiative focusing on crops like camelina, position the state favorably for SAF development.

Following Davidman, **Jeff Davidman** from Delta Airlines expressed strong support for Senate File 1312, which aims to enhance SAF production in Minnesota. He outlined the airline industry's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with SAF playing a crucial role in this transition. Davidman explained that SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel, making it compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure. He emphasized the urgency of scaling up SAF production, noting that the U.S. airline industry aims for 10% SAF usage by 2030, while current global production is significantly lower.

**Peter Frosh**, CEO of the Greater MSP Partnership, followed with insights on the economic potential of SAF in Minnesota. He highlighted that building SAF refineries could create tens of thousands of jobs and attract billions in private investment. Frosh noted that Minnesota is uniquely positioned to lead in SAF production due to its agricultural resources and collaborative efforts among various stakeholders.

**Rick King**, Chairman of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, reiterated the importance of SAF for reducing carbon emissions at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. He emphasized that the availability of SAF would be a key factor for airlines when considering new routes, thus enhancing Minnesota's attractiveness as a travel destination.

Lastly, **Nick Jordan**, co-director of the University of Minnesota's Forever Green Initiative, expressed support for the bill, underscoring the role of innovative agricultural practices in supporting SAF production.

The committee's discussions underscored a collective commitment to advancing Minnesota's SAF industry, with a focus on legislative support to foster economic growth, environmental sustainability, and agricultural innovation. The next steps involve continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure Minnesota remains at the forefront of the SAF economy.