Sustainable Airline Fuel Plans Draw Fire from US Green Groups

Environmental groups are urging the US to reconsider its plans to develop sustainable aviation fuel before Washington presents its detailed road map at a global industry conference this week.

In a letter to National Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy on Monday, a group including the World Wildlife Fund, the Clean Air Task Force and the Environmental Defense Fund expressed concerns about the plans’ inclusion of crop-based biofuels, which are derived from soy and other agricultural products.

Using those kinds of biofuels wouldn’t meet the emissions targets, the group said. It also alleged that previous efforts resulted in higher food prices, “little ...