Legis Daily

Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-173| Senate 
| Updated: 1/21/2025
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (5)
Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)

Finance Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes substantial increases to federal excise taxes on fuel used by private jets, amending the Internal Revenue Code to raise both retail and manufacturers' excise tax rates for non-commercial aviation fuel. A significant per-gallon charge will be added to the existing tax, with this new component subject to annual inflation adjustments. These tax increases are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. A central provision of the bill is the establishment of the "Funding to Support Clean Communities Trust Fund" in the Treasury. All revenue generated from the newly increased private jet fuel taxes will be specifically directed into this dedicated fund, ensuring that the additional tax burden on private jet usage directly supports designated public initiatives. The trust fund's expenditures are earmarked for critical environmental and transportation projects. These include grants and activities under the Clean Air Act, specifically for enhancing air quality monitoring , such as fenceline and community monitoring, and expanding the national ambient air quality network. Funds will also support the expansion, repair, and maintenance of public transit and passenger rail infrastructure , particularly within 20 miles of airports, and efforts to improve bus service. Crucially, the bill mandates that at least 50 percent of the funds from the trust be designated for grants and activities within "disadvantaged communities." These communities are defined as those with significant low-income or socially disadvantaged populations experiencing higher adverse health or environmental effects. Priority will be given to communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution. The legislation also includes a temporary provision allowing for a refund or credit of the increased tax amount in cases of reasonable cause, such as fuel used for scientific research, natural disaster evacuations, or medical emergencies, though this exception expires in 2028. Additionally, it modifies an existing exemption from air transportation excise tax for certain agricultural uses, narrowing its applicability.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2378
Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2023
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 21, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2378
    Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2023


  • January 21, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 21, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Taxation

Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2025

USA119th CongressS-173| Senate 
| Updated: 1/21/2025
This bill proposes substantial increases to federal excise taxes on fuel used by private jets, amending the Internal Revenue Code to raise both retail and manufacturers' excise tax rates for non-commercial aviation fuel. A significant per-gallon charge will be added to the existing tax, with this new component subject to annual inflation adjustments. These tax increases are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. A central provision of the bill is the establishment of the "Funding to Support Clean Communities Trust Fund" in the Treasury. All revenue generated from the newly increased private jet fuel taxes will be specifically directed into this dedicated fund, ensuring that the additional tax burden on private jet usage directly supports designated public initiatives. The trust fund's expenditures are earmarked for critical environmental and transportation projects. These include grants and activities under the Clean Air Act, specifically for enhancing air quality monitoring , such as fenceline and community monitoring, and expanding the national ambient air quality network. Funds will also support the expansion, repair, and maintenance of public transit and passenger rail infrastructure , particularly within 20 miles of airports, and efforts to improve bus service. Crucially, the bill mandates that at least 50 percent of the funds from the trust be designated for grants and activities within "disadvantaged communities." These communities are defined as those with significant low-income or socially disadvantaged populations experiencing higher adverse health or environmental effects. Priority will be given to communities disproportionately impacted by air pollution. The legislation also includes a temporary provision allowing for a refund or credit of the increased tax amount in cases of reasonable cause, such as fuel used for scientific research, natural disaster evacuations, or medical emergencies, though this exception expires in 2028. Additionally, it modifies an existing exemption from air transportation excise tax for certain agricultural uses, narrowing its applicability.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-2378
Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2023
Jan 21, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jan 21, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-2378
    Fueling Alternative Transportation with a Carbon Aviation Tax Act of 2023


  • January 21, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • January 21, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (5)
Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Christopher Murphy (Democratic)Bernard Sanders (Independent)Jeff Merkley (Democratic)

Finance Committee

Taxation

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted