Committee approves tax-credit framework for proposed sustainable aviation fuel plant in South Arkansas

Representative Jean introduced House Bill 1303 as a sustainable aviation fuel bill intended to support construction of a renewable-jet facility in southern Arkansas. "This is the house bill 13 o 3. This is a sustainable aviation fuel, bill that is designed to be built in South Arkansas," Representative Jean said, describing a company option on roughly 500 acres south of Camden.

Why it matters: The bill would create a tax-credit incentive tied to qualified machinery and equipment for SAF production, and it includes a mechanism by which the state may purchase up to $10 million in sellable credits per year at 80% of face value. Proponents said the project could bring $2 billion–$3 billion in capital investment, about 100–200 permanent jobs averaging roughly $100,000 a year, and 1,500 construction jobs.

Company and project details: Michael Newton of Natural State Renewables said the company has spent roughly $15 million in development to date, has an option on about 500 acres near Camden (the option cost is about $3.5 million), and expects to make a final investment decision late this year or early next year. Newton…