New Jet Fuel Could Battle Climate Change, Oscar The Grouch Says: VIDEO

NEWARK, NJ — If anyone knows about the hidden value of trash, it’s Oscar the Grouch.

United Airlines recently announced that the company has “hired” the beloved Sesame Street character as its first-ever chief trash officer. One of his first moves? Serving as spokesperson for a campaign promoting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Not sure what SAF is all about? Here’s what to know, according to United, which is based in Chicago and has a hub in Newark, New Jersey:

“SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. SAF is being made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and, in the future, could be made from other feedstocks including household trash or forest waste. To date, United has invested in the future production of over three billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world.”

In one video, Oscar learns about how SAF is produced by learning how his “prized banana peel” could potentially power an airplane someday.

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The Muppet ambassador hasn’t been slacking off since nailing down his new gig. The new campaign follows the iconic character's journey from job listing to c-suite office, as he interacts with real-life United Airlines employees. Watch some videos here.

As a part of the collaboration, United Airlines is supporting the Sesame Workshop through a donation to the nonprofit educational organization's Welcome Sesame initiative. Sesame Workshop will also be included in United Airlines' Miles on a Mission.

It isn’t only United that is looking to SAF as an important future fuel source, the airline pointed out:

“The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act includes the largest governmental climate change investments in U.S. history - a new blender's tax credit specifically for SAF along with other critical incentives for clean energy and carbon capture – that will help spur an increase in SAF infrastructure and supply while lowering costs for SAF consumers. The U.S. military currently uses nearly five billion gallons of jet fuel annually and the Department of Defense will use a jet fuel blend containing at least 10% SAF by 2028 because of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. And according to the U.S. Department of Energy, the country's vast feedstock resources are enough to meet the projected SAF demand of the entire U.S. aviation industry.”

Some advocates have questioned whether President Joe Biden’s administration will be able to meet its lofty goals surrounding the use of SAF, however.

A 2022 report from the Center for Biological Diversity claims that sustainability and supply issues will make it impossible to reach the Biden administration’s goal to meet 100 percent of U.S. jet fuel demand with aviation biofuels by 2050. The report also found that most feedstocks currently being considered for sustainable aviation fuels would “cause significant climate or environmental harm” if devoted to fuel production.

Such criticisms haven't dampened the optimism that United Airlines and its new chief trash officer have for SAF, however.

“Every airline burns jet fuel to run their business, but no airline will solve climate change on its own,” chief communications officer Josh Earnest said. “So United has enlisted Oscar to help us educate the traveling public of all ages about SAF and rally them to the cause of fighting climate change.”

“From banana peels to fryer grease, Oscar is uniquely qualified to help us explain why trash could be the treasure that fuels the jets of the future,” Earnest added.

• See Related: Stephen Colbert Sings Duet With Oscar The Grouch (WATCH)

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