WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) is leading a bipartisan bill that does something rare in Washington: solves real problems for real people. The Leveraging Efficiency Awareness for Pumping Systems (LEAPS) Act, introduced with Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), helps farmers upgrade outdated irrigation systems—cutting costs, conserving water, and driving demand for equipment made in Upstate New York.
Too many farmers are still using pumps and pipes from the 1970s, not because they want to, but because there is no simple way to determine which equipment will save them money, how to obtain it, or how to access USDA programs that can help pay for it. The LEAPS Act changes that.
Core Deliverables:
- Requires the USDA to create a clear, user-friendly online tool to help farmers assess their systems and identify cost-saving, energy-efficient upgrades.
- Directs the agency to publish accessible information on equipment, including motors, pumps, pipes, drives, and controls.
- Ensures USDA energy auditors are trained in the latest best practices.
- Makes energy-efficient pumping systems eligible for support under the Conservation Stewardship Program.
“Farmers know it when their systems are outdated, but figuring out what to upgrade, how much it costs, and where to start is harder than it should be,” said Rep. Riley. “This bill gives farmers the tools they need to make smart decisions—and when they upgrade, it creates work for manufacturers right here in Upstate New York who are ready to build the next generation of ag equipment. It’s a win for our farmers, our factories, and anyone who wants Washington to actually get something done.”
The Department of Agriculture estimates that irrigation pumping systems consume more than 22 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. Modernizing these systems to improve efficiency could eliminate up to 8.3 million metric tons of carbon emissions each year, while saving farmers over $1.8 billion in annual energy costs.
The LEAPS Act fits squarely into Riley’s broader agenda of delivering common-sense, bipartisan solutions that respect work and strengthen rural communities. Riley has led legislation to:
- Lower Egg Prices (H.R. 2222) – Ends USDA rules that force farms to discard usable eggs.
- Future FARMERS Act (H.R. 1952) – Reauthorizes $40 million for ag-science education to train the next generation.
- Strengthening Rural Cooperatives Act (H.R. 1951) – Expands access to grants for rural co-ops and ag-based small businesses.
- Clean Energy Demonstration Transparency Act (H.R. 1453) – Requires transparency from federally funded energy projects and supports U.S. manufacturing jobs.
- Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act (H.R. 2480) – Strengthens domestic chip production to protect U.S. farmers and manufacturers from foreign tech dependence.
###
