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By Kathleen Shannon - Producer, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection -- Sustainable aviation fuel is a growing source of domestic energy supply, and a growing market for American agricultural producers. Leaders in both industries hope policy will support continued growth in places like Montana. Comments by Bruce Fleming, CEO, Montana Renewables; and Nicole Rolf, senior director of government affairs, Montana Farm Bureau Federation.
Click on the image above for the audio. Sustainable aviation fuel is a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, according to the International Air Transport Association. (Adobe Stock)
by Kathleen Shannon
January 20, 2025 - Montana is a U.S. leader in the growing industry of sustainable aviation fuel. Experts in the field and in the agricultural sector hope to see new policies to support its development.
Sustainable aviation fuel can be made from a variety of agricultural inputs, including seed crops, which produce oils processed into fuel with a low-carbon footprint. Industry growth could mean new buyers for ag producers in the state, where Montana Renewables was the highest domestic producer of sustainable aviation fuel last year.
Bruce Fleming, CEO of the company, said China and Brazil are outpacing U.S. growth.
"If we can get our policy figured out, if we can get American innovation going and not fall behind, then we've got solutions here that will benefit the ag sector, particularly the farmers and ranchers," Fleming explained.
In terms of policy, Fleming acknowledged the "goalposts keep moving," because they vary between agencies at the state and federal levels, making it difficult to plan. He hopes to see policies that embrace the innovation, as the nation did for ethanol.
Nicole Rolf, senior director of government affairs for the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, said the opportunity for farmers to grow and market new commodities is enticing, but she will be watching for tax credits and other policies to support producers.
"How do we make sure that we put the right incentives in place so that we're truly using American-grown feedstocks, and crops and commodities, to feed these sustainable aviation-fuel suppliers?" Rolf asked.
The industry sees both challenges and benefits in Montana. For instance, there are currently no local oilseed crushers, so farmers must ship seeds for processing out-of-state. Rolf pointed out Montana is prepared to ship the finished product by rail and other means, as it already does for other energy products.
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PNS - Monday, January 20, 2025 - UNH students confirm Gaza may have cost Harris the race; TikTok is back online after Trump pledged to restore it; Child poverty derails dream of MLK Jr; and future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy.
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By Kathleen Shannon - Producer, Contact - News
Big Sky Connection - The Biden administration allocated $41 million for water resources and ecosystem health, including Montana projects on the Jefferson River and Flint Creek that are expected to benefit both wildlife and ranchers. Comments by Chris Edgington, Jefferson watershed project manager, Montana Trout Unlimited; and Tess Scanlon, project manager, Trout Unlimited.
Click on the image above for the audio. Federal funds will help restore Flint Creek and Jefferson River in Western Montana, benefiting wildlife, including trout, bears and migratory birds. (Melnik/Adobe Stock)
Kathleen Shannon
January 17, 2025 - During President Joe Biden's final weeks in office, the Interior Department has announced $41 million in support of water resources and ecosystem health, including two projects in Montana.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will fund work to restore irrigation channels in two Western Montana watersheds.
Chris Edgington, Jefferson watershed project manager for Montana Trout Unlimited, one of the partner groups, called federal funding "critical" to support conservation work, which also benefits agricultural producers.
"We're working with a landowner who voluntarily gives water back to the river for fish," Edgington explained. "It's a great partnership and a 'win-win' project."
More than $1 million will help restore nearly 8,000 feet of side channel and critical trout habitat along the Jefferson River and $1.3 million more will restore nearly 11,000 feet of stream bank and five acres of flood plains on Flint Creek.
Tess Scanlon, project manager for Trout Unlimited, who will oversee the Flint Creek project, said riparian habitat and water quality have degraded due to historical mining, grazing, road-building and other land uses. The effects are extensive, she added.
"Different land use practices have reduced vegetation along the stream banks," Scanlon pointed out. "Which, of course, then impacts habitat quality, has degraded in-stream channel conditions for fish, and has a lot of long term-impacts on stream bank erosion, which affects downstream water quality."
Scanlon noted the solution means rebuilding habitat and stabilizing stream banks with plantings and natural materials, and building fencing and off-stream stock water sources to protect the water and help livestock managers.
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PNS - Friday, January 17, 2025 - Biden highlights the challenges faced reaching a Gaza ceasefire, progressives urge action on the Equal Rights Amendment, the future of TikTok remains up in the air, and plans for protests build ahead of Trump's inauguration.
