United said Tuesday that the investment in Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc. could provide it with up to 180 million gallons of fuel per year.
That’s just a drop in United’s fuel consumption — the Chicago airline burned 3.9 billion gallons last year — and the investment is a tiny fraction of United’s $1.1 billion profit last year.
Still, United Continental Holdings Inc. says it’s the biggest single investment in biofuels by a U.S. airline.
Pressure is building on airlines to reduce carbon emissions from burning oil-based jet fuel. The Obama administration has taken early steps toward limiting emissions, following the lead of an international aviation authority.
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