Mesa County supports feasibility study for SAF production on the Western Slope

In Colorado, Mesa County Commissioners said they are interested in learning more about the development of SAF on the Western Slope. To that end, they approved a letter of support for a feasibility study to be submitted to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). In collaboration with Pitkin County, Mesa County supports a feasibility study establishing SAF production facilities closer to Western Slope airports. These facilities would serve several regional airports, including the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Eagle County Regional Airport, Grand Junction Regional Airport, and Rifle Garfield County Airport. The feasibility study will assess the availability of feedstock, biosolids, beetle kill, and agricultural waste, along with market conditions, production capacity, location suitability, infrastructure, environmental and economic impacts, and regulatory factors. It will also identify regional partnerships for advancing SAF on the Western Slope by determining permitting needs, guiding project management, and creating a community benefits plan to maximize workforce opportunities, environmental innovation, and economic gains for surrounding communities. “Mesa County is rich in potential resources for future aviation fuels, whether it’s biofuels or biosolids from the Persigo Plant, methane produced at the landfill, or even overgrowth in our forests,” said Mesa County Commissioner Cody Davis. “We have a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainable aviation by recycling our available materials. By participating in this study, we’re eager to explore if it’s feasible for Mesa County to be part of this approach to fuel production.”

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