Casten Flies from Chicago to Washington, DC on the First Passenger Flight Using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in History

Statement

Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) flew from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington, DC to celebrate the first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) along with U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby.

The flight operated using SAF, an alternative jet fuel that can provide up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions. The right engine used 100% SAF demonstrating the viability of using 100% SAF to achieve an even lower carbon footprint so that airlines can move toward a future of flight with lower carbon emissions.

"Today's flight is a monumental step forward in decarbonizing our airline industry, which accounts for 12% of all transportation related emissions," said Rep. Sean Casten. "Not only was I proud to ensure the inclusion of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit in the Build Back Better Act, but I'm also excited to co-sponsor the Sustainable Skies Act which will further help the aviation sector reach net-zero by 2050. These investments coupled with the $616 million I helped secure for Illinois' airports in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act President Biden signed into law last month will place our state at the forefront of clean energy innovation--positioning us to lead the country as the economic hub of sustainable manufacturing and technology."

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