US weighs 2050 target in bid to wean airlines off fossil fuels

US President Joe Biden’s administration is quietly discussing a target date of 2050 for weaning aircrafts off fossil fuels as part of the White House’s broader push to fight climate change, sources familiar with the matter said. The White House in recent days has stepped up efforts aimed at transforming the US economy, including promotion of climate-directed infrastructure spending and bringing auto companies on board for its push for more electric vehicle use. The Biden administration is contemplating incentives to support private-sector production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as it searches for ways to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions in the hard-to-electrify aviation industry. The administration is looking at a 2050 target for airlines to fly on 100% jet fuel from renewable sources, said two sources, who spoke anonymously to be candid about the discussions. The discussions are still in the early stages with few details available, the sources said. The United States and Europe are trying to find ways to encourage production and adoption of SAF, which is two to five times more expensive than standard jet fuel. The administration confirmed that SAF is on its radar but did not comment on or confirm the 2050 target.<br/>