RFA lays out recommendations for update of GREET model

In Washington, in a letter submitted to the Biden administration, the Renewable Fuels Association laid out recommendations for ensuring that the best available science and data are used in determining eligibility for the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit established in the Inflation Reduction Act. The Treasury Department released guidance in December regarding the implementation of the credit, and the administration committed to releasing an updated version of the GREET model by March 1 for use in estimating the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of SAF.

The letter was sent to an interagency working group (IWG) that includes USDA, EPA, DOE, and FAA. It contained detailed comments and recommendations, including analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of different modeling tools, methodologies, and data sets being considered by the IWG for inclusion in the soon-to-be-updated “40B GREET model.” The letter also encouraged the IWG to ensure the new model is informed by actual observations and empirical data from the post-2005 period of biofuel expansion. The updated modeling framework should also take a practical approach to integration of climate-smart agriculture practices, RFA’s letter says.