WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07) reintroduced the REAP Modernization Act. This bipartisan bill makes improvements to the Rural Energy in America Program (REAP), which provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchasing and installing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements.

“As a dairy farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how hard our producers work to improve energy efficiency and be responsible stewards of the land,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps lower costs and makes it easier for recipients to become more energy independent, and this bill makes key updates to ensure the program meets the needs of our Central Valley communities. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Vindman on this bipartisan effort to help more farmers and rural small businesses take advantage of this successful program.”

“As the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, I’ve heard firsthand how lower energy costs can really help farmers. We need to take real steps to make this a reality, cutting costs for agricultural producers and rural areas as they make smart investments in clean energy and storage,” said Congressman Vindman. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation to cut red tape and lower energy costs. We’re not just helping farms — we’re strengthening our rural economies and investing in a more sustainable future for Virginia.”

The REAP Modernization Act would:

• Expand eligibility for REAP to include agricultural producer cooperatives and nongovernmental organizations that serve rural energy needs.
• Streamline applications for small-scale and bundled projects, reducing administrative barriers for producers and rural businesses.
• Increase cost-share limits for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects to help smaller farms and businesses afford upfront investment costs.
• Require USDA to consider climate benefits, including greenhouse gas emission reductions, as a priority factor in project selection.
• Enhance outreach and technical assistance for applicants and grantees.
• Create a reserve fund of annual REAP resources to support underutilized renewable technologies such as geothermal, biomass, and combined heat and power systems. 

Read the full bill here.