Sustainable aviation fuel credit eligibility criteria released

Content updated on Dec. 6, 2024

On April 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released guidance on the sustainable aviation fuel credit (SAF) established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). This guidance provides additional clarity and certainty to companies and producers, aiding in the scale-up of SAF production and reduction of emissions from the aviation sector. The announcement highlights the role farmers can play in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by producing SAF from homegrown agricultural crops using climate-smart agricultural practices. Producers or importers of SAF synthetic blending components must register with the IRS under section 4101 and comply with specific certification and verification processes to qualify for the SAF credit.

The Treasury Department's guidance delineates the eligibility criteria for the SAF credit, offering a tax credit ranging from $1.25 to $1.75 per gallon based on the life cycle GHG emissions reduction achieved by the fuel. To qualify, the SAF must achieve a GHG emissions reduction of at least 50% compared to petroleum-based jet fuel. A 50% reduction earns the producer a credit of $1.25 per gallon. For reductions exceeding 50%, the credit increases by $0.01 per gallon for each additional percentage point, up to a maximum of $0.50 per gallon. Thus, the highest possible credit is $1.75 per gallon for fuels achieving a 100% reduction in GHG emissions. Producers must provide certification from an unrelated party to demonstrate compliance with CORSIA or similar methodologies.

The SAF Interagency Working Group (IWG) announced the 40B SAF-GREET 2024 model, a new methodology for determining the life cycle GHG emissions rates of SAF production. This model incorporates updated data and processes, including carbon capture, renewable natural gas and renewable electricity. Additionally, a USDA pilot program encourages the use of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices, offering credits for SAF feedstocks produced using no-till farming, cover crops and enhanced efficiency fertilizers. The notice also provides safe harbor provisions for calculating the emissions reduction percentage.

Producers must comply with additional verification guidelines, including on-site audits and maintaining detailed records to ensure full traceability of feedstocks used in SAF production. The notice outlines compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), detailing the information collections required for the SAF credit and their associated burden. For claims using the 40BSAF-GREET 2024 model and the USDA CSA Pilot Program, producers must submit specific certificates with their claims. These provisions ensure that the SAF credits are claimed accurately and in compliance with regulatory standards.