Clearing the skies as a champion of sustainable aviation fuels

Washington is at the forefront of sustainable aviation, blending policy innovation, public-private partnerships, and on-the-ground investment

September 23, 2025
Sen. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick/Courtesy of the Washington State Senate

As part of my ongoing efforts in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, I’ve been actively supporting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are a critical tool for both environmental stewardship and economic growth across Washington.

Earlier this year, I co-sponsored ESSB 5447, which was signed into law in July, laying the groundwork to scale SAF in our state. It codified the Alternative Jet Fuels Work Group and established tax incentives, including a preferential B&O tax rate of 0.275% and credits for SAF sales. The incentives are set to begin when in-state production reaches 20 million gallons annually.

Building on that foundation, SB 5601, a bipartisan initiative, advanced to the Senate Ways & Means Committee during the 2025 legislative session. This bill would create a competitive SAF infrastructure grant program and task the Department of Ecology with developing programmatic environmental impact statements to streamline production expansion. I expect this bill regain traction during the 2026 session.

Just this February, the State awarded a $1.5 million grant to SkyNRG Americas, supporting the planned SAF facility at Port of Walla Walla’s Wallula Gap site. Project Wigeon aims to produce 50 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel annually by 2029, potentially creating over 600 construction jobs and approximately 100 production jobs in the region.

Sustainable Aviation Fuels matter and offer a “drop-in” alternative to conventional jet fuel, compatible with existing infrastructure and capable of significantly reducing carbon emissions. Yet, nationwide production is falling short of ambitions, with recent analysis projecting a major shortfall in SAF by 2030 due to cost and production constraints.

Washington is at the forefront of sustainable aviation, blending policy innovation, public-private partnerships, and on-the-ground investment. My work in Olympia ensures we safeguard and build on these gains, making sure our state leads the transition in clean aviation.