Renewable Fuel Standard (Federal)

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the primary policy by which the federal government induces the adoption of renewable fuels. While it has been successful in promoting the use of biofuels with on-road transportation fuels, it has been less successful in promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use. This is due to limitations in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to regulate jet fuel.

The EPA does not have the authority to regulate jet fuel quality, per se. As detailed in section 80.1407 of 40 CFR Part 80 (Subpart M, which regulates the RFS), “only gasoline and diesel fuels produced or imported into the U.S. are subject to the renewable fuel standards.” Therefore, jet fuel is not part of the fossil fu