Press Releases

DelBene Shapes Clean Fuel Wins in Aviation Bill

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and update key air travel policies that include several provisions DelBene championed.

“This legislation is a great step forward in guiding the aviation industry towards a cleaner and more sustainable future. As a leader in the fight against climate change, we must take bold and decisive action to reduce emissions and promote cleaner air travel. The provisions I’ve secured in the final FAA bill are essential steps toward a more sustainable future for aviation.”

DelBene secured the following provisions in the bill to:

  • Expand a Washington State University co-led FAA research and development center of excellence to explore hydrogen and safe alternative fuels for commercial planes with electric engines.
  • Require the FAA to work with the Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a hydrogen aviation strategy.
  • Expand the Airport Infrastructure Program (AIP) to allow airports to use funds for building hydrogen fueling stations.

Background

  • DelBene secured the Pacific Northwest as a designated Hydrogen Hub under the bipartisan infrastructure law’s Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, which will receive a $1 billion federal investment.

The FAA legislation now goes to President Biden for signature.