By Jamie Martin
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) is lobbying the administration to develop fair and practical criteria for agricultural practices that would qualify farmers and refineries for tax credits on sustainable aviation fuels.
This initiative aligns with the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, which incentivizes the production of environmentally friendly aviation fuels.
NCGA President Harold Wolle emphasized the significant role of ethanol in reducing vehicle emissions and expressed the association’s readiness to extend these benefits to the aviation sector.
However, he stressed the need for adaptable standards that recognize the diverse agricultural conditions across the country, which could otherwise hinder farmers' ability to participate effectively.
The debate centers around the criteria set by the U.S. Department of Treasury, which requires biofuel producers to demonstrate reduced carbon intensity.
Achieving this often involves adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, a concept that poses challenges in varying regional climates and soils.
The NCGA's proposal highlights a crucial need for flexibility in environmental regulations that accommodate the unique characteristics of each farming area, ensuring that all farmers have the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s climate objectives without facing undue hardship.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-oticki
Categories: National