Wisconsin State Lawmakers Introduce Forestry Revitalization Act to Support $1.5 Billion SAF Project

Wisconsin state lawmakers on Sept. 22 announced the introduction of the Forestry Revitalization Act, a bill that aims to provide $210 in incentives to attract the development of a proposed $1.5 billion woody biomass-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project.

The legislation was introduced by Wisconsin Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and Wisconsin Rep. Chanz Green (R- Grand View) with the support of industry leaders, local officials, and investors.

The proposed project is under development by a Germany-based company. According to Felzkowski, communities in Michigan and Minnesota are also vying for the project. If Wisconsin successfully attracts the project, the proposed SAF facility is expected to be developed in Hayward, Wisconsin.

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The Forestry Revitalization Act would create a $210 million incentive for the project, including $60 million in Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Enterprise Zone Tax Credits and $150 million in state bonding through the forestry account.

Green estimates the project will result in 350 high paying jobs, while also creating an economic boost for landowners, loggers, truckers and related sectors.

The facility is currently expected to begin operations in 2029. Once fully operational, the biorefinery would convert CORSIA-qualified woody biomass, including bark, branches, cutter shavings, treetops, into SAF and naphtha, primarily for export into the European market.

The facility is expected to take in approximately 880,000 tons of feedstock annually. The bill would require 80% of the wood used as feedstock in the biorefinery to be sourced from within Wisconsin. The legislation also includes a guarantee that the facility must be used for the production of SAF at least until the maturity of the bond.