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Congressmen Mike Lawler and Josh Riley have introduced the Leveraging Efficiency Awareness for Pumping Systems (LEAPS) Act to help farmers save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. The bipartisan bill, introduced on Thursday (June 12), aims to modernize irrigation and water management systems, which are crucial for agricultural irrigation, livestock watering, and waste management.
The legislation requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide farmers with accessible information and tools to upgrade to energy-efficient pumping systems. According to the bill's findings, there are over 600,000 irrigation pumping systems in the United States, many of which are outdated. Upgrading these systems could save farmers over $1.8 billion annually in energy costs and cut more than eight million metric tons of carbon emissions each year.
Congressman Lawler emphasized the importance of supporting farmers who face rising input costs and weather challenges. He stated, "By equipping farmers with the right resources, we can boost productivity, cut waste, and strengthen rural economies—all while protecting our environment."
Congressman Riley added that the bill will help farmers make informed decisions about upgrading their systems, creating jobs for manufacturers in Upstate New York. The LEAPS Act is expected to benefit farmers, factories, and those seeking effective legislative action from Washington.