US Department Releases Guidance on Clean Fuels Production Credit for Aviation Industry

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have released guidance on the Clean Fuels Production Credit, a tax credit aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation industry.

Section 45Z provides a tax credit for producing transportation fuels with lifecycle emissions below certain levels. The credit is available in 2025 and applies to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and non-SAF transportation fuels.

The guidance clarifies who is eligible for the credit, what fuels are eligible, and how taxpayers can calculate lifecycle emissions. It also outlines plans to incorporate climate-smart agriculture practices into the program.

Key takeaways from the guidance include:

* Producers of clean transportation fuels will be eligible for the credit.
* Fuels that have practical or commercial fitness for use as a fuel in highway vehicles or aircraft are eligible.
* The Department of Energy has released the 45ZCF-GREET model for calculating emissions rates.

This guidance aims to lower transportation costs for consumers, support innovation in aviation and renewable fuels, and reduce emissions from the industry.

Source: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2780