ATLANTA — Agricultural, forestry and business leaders in Georgia have banded together to launch the Georgia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition.
The goal is to advance research and the state’s production of biofuels, according to an announcement Wednesday.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
The coalition was established by multiple organizations and businesses, including the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Forestry Association and Delta Air Lines.
Sustainable aviation fuel is processed from agricultural and forestry feedstocks to reduce air travel emissions and is designed for compatibility with existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure. Although biofuel currently represents a small share of global aviation fuel, demand is expanding across global markets.
The coalition’s formation builds on the Keep Georgia Forested Act, which Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law in May 2026.
The legislation allows companies to transfer certain tax credits during early construction and operational stages, supporting forestry manufacturing and biofuel production facilities.
Business leaders highlighted the initiative as an opportunity to integrate regional supply chains with aviation demand.
TRENDING STORIES:
- ‘Survivor 51’ contestant cuts off part of thumb during show
- Atlanta Beltline secures enough land to complete entire 22-mile trail
- Christa Pike survives 2 lethal injection doses; Tennessee governor halts executions
Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber, outlined the coalition’s goal of coordinating statewide stakeholders.
“This is about aligning Georgia’s natural strengths with real market demand,” Kirkpatrick said.
Agricultural producers said they expect the initiative to expand commercial opportunities for local commodities and the initiative’s connection to Georgia’s farming industry.
The state’s forestry sector, which includes 22 million acres of working forests, is slated to supply additional raw materials for fuel processing.
Prior to the formal launch, coalition members joined the Georgia Research Alliance to secure state funding for an Eminent Scholar focused on forestry research and biofuel development.
Aviation and corporate partners have also signed on to support the project. Boeing, Cox Enterprises and Norfolk Southern are serving as anchor partners, with additional backing from supporting partners RYAM and Gulfstream Aerospace.
Peter Carter, president of Delta Air Lines, pointed to the state’s positioning in the sector as a positive for the new coalition.
“Georgia is well positioned to become a national leader in SAF,” Carter said. “The Georgia SAF Coalition unites organizations committed to advancing that opportunity. Together, we can power the growth of a SAF industry that strengthens Georgia’s economy, supports innovation and creates lasting benefits for communities across the state.”
Federal agriculture officials expressed support for the state-level public-private initiative as well.
The coalition said its immediate priorities include bringing sustainable aviation fuel and biofuel facilities to Georgia, linking university research with industry needs and establishing a supply chain to connect local farms and forests directly to aviation markets.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
