Bill · H.R. 5875· House(119-HR-5875)
COWS Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 10/31/2025
- Last activity
- 12/2/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- Sponsored by
- Jim Costa
- Cosponsors
- - 3 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2025, or COWS Act of 2025, updates agricultural programs to focus on manure management and composting. It defines new composting and alternative manure management practices to reduce greenhouse gases and improve soil health. The bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to provide payments covering up to 100 percent of costs for these practices. It specifically prioritizes small and mid-sized dairy and livestock operations, including socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers. Additionally, the Secretary is tasked with providing technical assistance and developing new conservation standards for on-farm composting.
Yes· 3 of 28
Would farmers be better off under this?+9
Provides up to 100% cost coverage for manure management and composting practices.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+8
Directly invests in rural agricultural infrastructure and public health.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+8
Specifically targets the reduction of methane and nitrous oxide greenhouse gas emissions.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill authorizes the Secretary to provide payments up to 100 percent of costs for specific practices.
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1
The bill increases government spending through payments to farmers.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial Support for Farmers: Section 4(c)(1) allows the Secretary to provide payments covering up to 100 percent of costs for planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, management, maintenance, and training for alternative manure management.
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Upfront Funding: Section 4(c)(2) requires the Secretary to provide at least 50 percent of total payments in advance for materials, equipment, and technical assistance.
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Support for Small and Underserved Producers: Section 5(2)(D) directs the Secretary to award the majority of alternative manure contracts to small and mid-sized operations, including beginning, limited resource, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
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Environmental and Public Health Improvements: Section 2 and Section 5(2)(A) state that these practices are intended to reduce greenhouse gases, improve local air quality, and maximize public health benefits, including improved water quality and quantity.
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Collaborative Opportunities: Section 5(2)(C) allows groups of producers to submit joint applications for shared composting facilities.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Strict Eligibility Criteria: Section 5(2)(B)(iii) limits priority participation to operations that have a demonstrated track record of adopting conservation measures and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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Payment Limitations: Section 7(a) maintains existing payment limitations, although Section 7(b) gives the Secretary the authority to waive them or impose separate limits.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+9Good For Rural Residents+8Good For African Americans+6Good For Asian Americans+6Good For Business Owners+6Good For Hispanic Americans+6Good For Native Americans+6Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Women+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Men+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For White Americans+3Good For Children+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+8Reduces Carbon Emissions+8Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Public Land Management+4Increases Renewable Energy Investment+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+7Improves Economic Growth+2Increases Job Creation+2Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Racial Equity+5Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 3/4/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 12/2/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology.
- 10/31/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Adam GrayDemocrat · California
John MannionDemocrat · New York
Chellie PingreeDemocrat · Maine
David ValadaoRepublican · California