Leaders Of Thirteen Groups Send Joint Letter To Key Senators

Thirteen aviation trade associations representing all facets of the industry have sent a letter to Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and John McCain (R-AZ), urging them to support U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) efforts to “research, test, and deploy biofuels in the aviation sector.”

"It is our collective belief that the ongoing efforts of the United States military on alternative fuels are helping reduce the cost of those alternatives and will ultimately help reduce our reliance on foreign oil," the letter says. "The biofuels industry is rapidly developing and has the potential to save taxpayers millions as well as provide a much-needed, supply-based hedge against the volatility resulting from reliance on unstable sources of oil. DOD’s work is being leveraged to move more quickly toward commercial viability of alternatives by demonstrating large scale production as well as making the price more competitive. For these reasons, we are concerned that language included in the House of Representatives DOD Authorization bill prescribing a price for purchase of alternative fuels could thwart achieving our nation’s energy independence and security goals."

The groups told the senators that "We believe the ongoing military and civil aviation efforts must be continued and we strongly advocate that you prioritize and fund investment in aviation biofuels in what we all acknowledge is a difficult fiscal environment. Ultimately, we are convinced that this is an investment that will pay off by saving taxpayers millions through achieving energy security and independence."

The parties signing the letter include:

• Aerospace Industries Association
• Air Line Pilots Association
• Airlines for America
• Airports Council International – North America
• American Association of Airport Executives
• Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International
• Cargo Airline Association
• CC: Members of the Senate Committee on Armed Services
• General Aviation Manufacturers Association
• International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers
• National Air Carrier Association
• National Air Transportation Association
• National Business Aviation Association

(Pictured L-R Senators Levin, McCain)

FMI: http://levin.senate.gov, http://mccain.senate.gov