Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) and Congressman Eugene Vindman (VA-07) have reintroduced the REAP Modernization Act, a bipartisan proposal aimed at updating the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The program provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.
Valadao said, “As a dairy farmer, I’ve seen firsthand how hard our producers work to improve energy efficiency and be responsible stewards of the land. 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.”
Vindman added, “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. 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 proposes several changes: expanding eligibility to include agricultural producer cooperatives and nongovernmental organizations serving rural energy needs; streamlining applications for small-scale projects; increasing cost-share limits for certain projects; requiring the USDA to consider climate benefits when selecting projects; enhancing outreach and technical assistance; and creating a reserve fund within REAP resources for underutilized renewable technologies such as geothermal, biomass, and combined heat and power systems.
David Valadao has represented California’s 22nd congressional district since 2021 after replacing TJ Cox. He previously served in the California State Assembly from 2010 to 2012. Valadao was born in Hanford, California in 1977 and continues to reside there.
