Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios
The bipartisan FAA bill heading to the Senate floor contains energy policy nuggets.
Why it matters: Although it contains no permitting panacea or jet fuel free-for-all, the five-year FAA reauthorization deal plays into the government's efforts to decarbonize aviation.
Driving the news: Language in the FAA deal would require the agency to develop a research strategy for hydrogen-based commercial flight.
- Plus, the Transportation Department will have to issue recommendations for aircraft "powered by new aviation fuels and fuel systems."
- There's language repealing certain carbon credit purchase requirements for airports, as well as "streamlining" the environmental approval process for specific airport facilities and upgrades.
What's next: The Senate may vote as soon as this week on the bill.
