The Defense Department’s push for the use of synthetic fuels had lawmakers listening yesterday to witnesses discussing the environmental, technical and economic challenges for turning coal into liquid fuels. House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment Chairman Nick Lampson (D-Tex.) noted the “economic and strategic benefits of advancing coal-to-liquid technologies from both the regional and global perspectives,” but he believes there first needs to be “a comprehensive strategy to build an energy future that is sustainable.” Meanwhile, the Pentagon’s largest consumer of aviation fuel, the Air Force, is set to begin the certification process that will determine whether or not it can use syn-fuel on its C-17 airlifters. USAF already has declared it suitable for the B-52 bomber.
2026 NDAA: 5 Highlights for Airmen and Guardians
Dec. 18, 2025
President Donald Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 18, a day after Congress passed the annual defense policy bill for the 65th consecutive year. Here’s what it means for the Air Force and Space Force.

