To the Editor:
As the former Mayor of Arlington and the Executive Director of the Arlington Fly-In, I have seen firsthand how innovation and sustainability can drive both economic growth and environmental progress. The aviation industry is at a pivotal moment, especially here in Washington, where sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and advanced technologies are revolutionizing the sector. This is why I want to commend U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA-01) for her leadership as a founding member of the bipartisan Congressional Sustainable Aviation Caucus.
SAF, which can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80%, represents a transformative opportunity for Washington’s aviation industry and our state’s economy. Projects like SkyNRG’s SAF plant, set to produce 30 million gallons of SAF annually by 2029, will create 600 jobs and place our state at the forefront of sustainable aviation innovation.
In addition to SAF, companies in our county, such as Eviation, MagniX and ZeroAvia, are pioneering electric, hybrid and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, paving the way for a cleaner future in aviation, and benefiting our local economy. With initiatives like these, Washington is leading the charge in developing technologies that will greatly improve one of the toughest industries to decarbonize, and help the industry achieve its commitment of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Rep. DelBene’s efforts to support these innovations will ensure that Washington remains a global leader in both economic development and sustainability. I applaud her work in advancing our state’s clean energy future while supporting jobs and growth in the aviation sector.
Barbara Tolbert
Arlington
