Bill · S. 5309· Senate(119-S-5309)
COWS Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 8/6/2026
- Last activity
- 8/6/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4520)
- Sponsored by
- Alex Padilla
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2026," amends the Food Security Act of 1985. It aims to provide payments for alternative manure management practices under the environmental quality incentives program. The legislation defines these practices as ways to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions, reduce nitrate leaching, or improve carbon sequestration. It establishes new rules for payments, including the ability for the Secretary to cover up to 100 percent of associated costs. Additionally, the bill sets procedures for group applications and prioritizes certain types of agricultural operations.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?+8
The bill specifically funds practices designed to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions and increase carbon sequestration.
Would farmers be better off under this?+8
The bill provides significant new financial and technical resources specifically for dairy and livestock farmers.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+7
The bill aims to improve water quality and quantity through better manure management.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Financial Assistance for Farmers: The Secretary may provide payments covering up to 100 percent of costs related to planning, design, materials, equipment, installation, labor, management, maintenance, and training for alternative manure management practices. (Section 3(a)(4))
-
Improved Cash Flow for Producers: The Secretary is required to provide at least 50 percent of total payments in advance for costs related to purchasing or contracting materials and equipment or receiving technical assistance. (Section 3(a)(4)(2))
-
Support for Smaller Operations: The bill directs the Secretary to award the majority of contracts to small and medium-sized dairy and livestock operations, including beginning farmers and ranchers, limited resource farmers and ranchers, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. (Section 4(a)(4))
-
Environmental and Public Health Benefits: The bill aims to prioritize applications that maximize carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and overall environmental and public health benefits, including improved water quality and quantity. (Section 4(a)(2)(A))
-
Collaborative Opportunities for Producers: The Secretary will establish procedures allowing a group of producers to submit joint applications for shared composting facilities and enter into joint contracts. (Section 4(a)(3))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Contract Duration Limits: Contracts that include an alternative manure management practice under this new subsection shall have a term that does not exceed 3 years. (Section 3(a)(4)(3))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Carbon Emissions+8Improves Environmental Protections+7Improves Rural Development+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+8Good For Business Owners+5Good For Rural Residents+5
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 8/6/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S4520)
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Martin HeinrichDemocrat · New Mexico
Adam SchiffDemocrat · California