Minnesota sustainable aviation fuel

There is immense promise - and potential peril - in a new era of sustainable aviation fuel. If done right, these new renewable fuels could help dramatically improve water quality in Minnesota by covering the big brown spot with productive crops year-round. It could boost farmers' bottom lines and improve rural resilience by introducing profitable new oilseed crops to supply a rapidly growing market. And it could bring down emissions from air travel — maybe the most challenging piece of the transportation decarbonization puzzle to solve.

If done wrong, however, it could exacerbate many existing environmental problems and make water quality and habitat goals harder to achieve. 

Here's a look at the latest developments in sustainable aviation fuel and how FMR engages in this quickly emerging arena and industry in Minnesota.

Minnesota sustainable aviation fuel
Keeping the river front of mind in Minnesota's climate change plan

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We’ve already seen improvements to the state's climate change plan as a direct result of our feedback, setting up stronger river protections for the years ahead. Read more
A view from above of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge
Tell Minnesota: Include river-friendly transportation and farming in the new climate plan

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The current draft isn't bad, some improvements would help ensure clean water for all communities. Read more
Floodwaters encroach on buildings and paths at St. Paul's Harriet Island.
What about water quality? 3 takeaways from our time at the SAF Conference

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Two members of FMR's Water program attended to be a voice for the river and clean water in discussions around Sustainable Aviation Fuel policy. Read more
FMR's Meghan Anderson and Trevor Russell speaking to attendees at the SAF Conference.
Is your SAF sustainable?

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For any Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to legitimately earn its moniker, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from flights cannot come at the expense of clean water and healthy habitat. Read more
An illustration of an plane flying over a river and camelina fields.
MinnPost: 'A rebuke of science and the promise of sustainable aviation fuel'

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Read this Community Voices piece by FMR Water Program Director Trevor Russell, published by MinnPost in August 2025. Read more
Aerial view of the winding Mississippi River
Ignoring science, undermining public trust: A concerning SAF proposal in Congress

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Ignoring a key emissions measurement known as "indirect land use change" would undermine climate goals, threaten water quality and violate basic scientific principles. Read more
Sediment-laden runoff during spring on bare, brown cropland.
FMR making the case for sustainable aviation fuel in the Strib

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In case you missed it, FMR has been making the case for winter-hardy oilseeds as a river-friendly source for sustainable aviation fuel in the Star Tribune. Read more
Plane wing over river + The Minnesota Star Tribune

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