ALTERNATIVE JET FUELS: Federal Activities Support Development and Usage, but Long term Commercial Viability Hinges on Market Factors
Abstract
The federal government has encouraged the development and use of alternative fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with aviation and to enhance economic development and energy security for the United States. To help achieve these goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the aviation industry is actively supporting alternative jet fuels. GAO was asked to provide information on the progress and challenges to developing and using alternative jet fuels in the United States. This report examines (1) the role of the federal government in the development and use of alternative jet fuels and (2) key challenges to developing and using alternative jet fuels and actions that the federal government plans to or could take to help address those challenges. GAO interviewed officials from five federal agencies - FAA, USDA, DOE,DOD, and EPA. GAO selected these agencies for review because GAO identified them as the federal agencies most involved in the development and use of alternative jet fuels. GAO also reviewed relevant literature and federal and industry documents and discussed challenges and potential federal actions with 23 stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector, selected to represent a range of perspectives and expertise in areas related to each step in the development and use of alternative jet fuels. GAO is not making recommendations in this report. DOT, USDA, DOE, DOD, and EPA reviewed a draft of this report and provided technical comments that were incorporated as appropriate.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1167225
Entities
People
- Gerald L. Dillingham
- Zina D. Merritt
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office