The U.S. Department of Energy has provided Gevo, a Colorado-based company, with a conditional loan guarantee of $1.46 billion for its 'Net-Zero 1' project near Lake Preston, South Dakota. The project aims to construct the nation's first ethanol-to-jet-fuel facility. Gevo plans to produce ethanol exclusively for aviation fuel, sourced from climate-friendly practices in agriculture. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's goal to achieve 3 billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 and 35 billion gallons annually by 2050. The facility will not only contribute to the aviation industry's sustainability but also generate economic benefits, creating 1,300 construction jobs and sustaining 100 permanent positions. Additionally, it is projected to reduce carbon emissions significantly and produce animal feed and corn oil as byproducts. Gevo's community engagement strategy includes a Community Benefits Plan to enhance local well-being. However, the project's association with the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline stirs controversy in South Dakota. Landowners, activists, and lawmakers are divided over the pipeline's underground carbon sequestration plans, leading to legislative debates and public dissent. Gevo's support for the pipeline has sparked mixed reactions, with concerns raised over its impact on local control and environmental sustainability. The company's reliance on federal tax credits and state incentives for low-carbon fuels underscores the importance of the Summit pipeline in Gevo's operational and financial strategy. The project's success hinges on resolving the pipeline's permit challenges and addressing community concerns to achieve a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.