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Establish Large-Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production
SAF, which is derived from renewable or waste sources like municipal solid waste, biomass, and various oils, can reduce aircraft emissions by up to 94% and is compatible with existing engines and air transportation infrastructure.317 The Biden administration has set a goal of reaching 3 billion gallons of SAF production annually by 2030 and 35 billion gallons by 2050.318 Key industry players like United and American are changing their operations, and SAFs are the fastest way to reduce emissions and meet industry decarbonization targets.319
To maximize this opportunity, the IAM can begin by closely tracking the development of SAFs, hydrogen fuels, and plane electrification technologies. Massive corporations, like Honeywell, Neste, and Chevron, are producing SAFs and partnering with major airlines.320 Understanding the industry landscape and likely developments of this emerging industry can help the IAM build coalitions across regional supply chains.
The IAM can also support tax credits aimed at jumpstarting SAF production, tied to strong labor standards. In 2023, IAM District 751 successfully lobbied for legislation that will bring SAF production and union jobs to Washington and make it easier for the state to approve clean energy projects.321 SAF production could create over 20,000 direct jobs in the state over the next seven years. In Washington State, and across the US and Canada, the IAM will need to bargain around rigorous safety certifications, retraining programs for affected workers, and new wage scales to make sure SAF develops in a way that is good for workers and communities.
SAFs are not the final word in aviation decarbonization. Rather, they are a bridge to pollutant- free technologies. IAM District 751 is already engaged in research on the future of more sustainable fuels and fully electric planes. Promoting even cleaner technologies is crucial to preserve the sector’s future and, by extension, thousands of IAM jobs.