Vinyl Institute Advocates for Passage of Bipartisan Bill to Support Manufacturing and Improve Agricultural Efficiency

Endicott, NY – The Vinyl Institute (VI) joined local workers at National Pipe & Plastics, industry representatives, and U.S. Representative Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today to call for the passage of the Leveraging Efficiency Awareness for Pumping Systems (LEAPS) Act. Introduced alongside U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin (D-MI-7) and Yadira D. Caraveo (D-CO-8), the LEAPS Act is bipartisan legislation that will improve agricultural efficiency and support American-made plastic manufacturing jobs.

According to research performed by the Hydraulic Institute, switching to more efficient pump and irrigation systems can save American farmers $1.8 billion in energy costs a year. Inefficient irrigation systems waste 52% of the energy they use every year. Replacing old pipes and open canals with closed plastic pipes will reduce water loss to seepage and evaporation while also improving the efficiency of water conveyance.

“We are proud to support this bipartisan legislation that will help farmers to save money and conserve energy and water,” said Ned Monroe, president and CEO of the Vinyl Institute. “This legislation also recognizes the indispensable nature and versatility of plastic pipes, which have a proven track record of over half a century for delivering clean water. The Vinyl Institute and our members extend our sincere thanks to Representative Molinaro for reaching across the aisle to craft a common-sense bill that will benefit American agriculture, manufacturing, and the environment.”

“The workers at National Pipe and Plastics build a fantastic product for farmers,” said Representative Molinaro. “Their pipes are critical components of pumping systems, made with modern materials, high standards, and alleviate many issues older systems have. Farmers know what’s best for them and their farms, we just want them to know that these systems are out there and there’s federal support available to make the switch. This is a bipartisan bill that’s going to help farmers, our environment, and the men and women who proudly produce these pump systems right here in Endicott. That’s why, I’m calling for the passage of my bill and using my spot on the House Agriculture Committee to move it forward with the Farm Bill.”

“Congressman Molinaro has been an incredible partner in drafting the bipartisan LEAPS Act and navigating Capitol Hill,” said Michael Michaud, Executive Director of the Hydraulic Institute. “After a House Ag Committee Field Hearing in Binghamton last April, where upstate NY pump and pipe manufactures testified about the benefits of energy efficient pumping systems, Congressman Molinaro convened stakeholders and engaged Democratic Members of the Ag Committee in the process of drafting legislation. Congressman Molinaro made it clear from the outset that bipartisan legislation provided the clearest path to the President’s desk. The LEAPS Act was introduced by the Congressman with two Democratic Members of the Ag Committee as original cosponsors – Congresswoman Slotkin (D-MI) and Congresswoman Caraveo (D-CO).”

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About The Vinyl Institute
The Vinyl Institute (VI), founded in 1982, is a U.S. trade association representing the leading manufacturers of vinyl, vinyl chloride monomer, vinyl additives, and modifiers. The VI works on behalf of its members to promote the benefits of the world’s most versatile plastic, used to make everything from PVC piping to flooring, roofing and vinyl siding. The vinyl industry in the United States employs over 350,000 highly skilled employees at nearly 3,000 facilities and generates an economic value of $54 billion. For more information, visit vinylinfo.org.

For more information, contact Gil Connolly

gconnolly@vinylinfo.org

(202)644-4036