WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), member of the House Agriculture Committee, issued a statement following Friday’s announcement from the U.S. Treasury Department that it will adopt the Department of Energy Argonne National Lab’s Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation (GREET) model when calculating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) tax credits.

“This announcement is welcome news for biofuel producers in southern Minnesota and across the country,” said Rep. Finstad. “The GREET model, which is grounded in actual science – not political science – ensures that our farmers are rewarded for homegrown, environmentally-friendly energy production, provides certainty for sustainable aviation fuel investments, and opens up market potential across farm country.”

"The U.S. Treasury Department’s decision to allow for use of the GREET model paves the way for renewable, homegrown ethanol to play a key role in decarbonizing aviation. MCGA thanks the Treasury Department for taking this common-sense step and Congressman Finstad for his advocacy of the action. MCGA also thanks Congressman Finstad for his continued support of homegrown, renewable biofuels, Minnesota’s family corn farmers, and the state’s agriculture industry." – Dana Allen-Tully, President, Minnesota Corn Growers Association

Friday’s announcement comes after Congressman Finstad’s extensive support for adoption of the GREET model across government agencies. In July, Rep. Finstad sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, urging Treasury’s adoption of the U.S. Department of Energy's GREET model for calculating SAF tax credits. Rep. Finstad also helped introduce the Adopt GREET Act, legislation which requires the EPA to update its greenhouse gas (GHG) modeling for all renewable fuels under the Renewable Fuel Standard by applying the GREET model.

Additionally, Rep. Finstad is a cosponsor of the bipartisan Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act, which prevents the federal government from penalizing the agriculture sector and biofuel producers from participating in the SAF market, by using the GREET model to assess production practices.