For Immediate Release:
Contact: Colden Franklin
Colden@heatispower.org
January 22, 2026
The Heat is Power Association (HiP) applauds U.S. Representatives Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) and Jim Baird (R-IN) for introducing the Waste Heat to Wattage Act, which would unlock federal support for deploying waste energy recovery solutions to power rural America’s economy.
If enacted, the bipartisan bill would recognize ‘waste energy recovery’ as a renewable form of energy under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – allowing farmers and small businesses to access grants and loan guarantees to install waste heat to power and waste pressure to power systems.
Waste energy recovery systems capture otherwise lost heat streams or pressure energy from industrial processes and convert it into usable electricity. For many rural industries – such as agricultural and food processing plants, natural gas pipelines, and manufacturing facilities – waste energy recovery can supply a significant share of onsite electricity, protecting businesses against volatile power prices.
“The Waste Heat to Wattage Act will help rural communities turn wasted energy into affordable electricity. By making waste energy recovery eligible under USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, this bill will provide farmers and industries with funding to deploy proven technologies that generate 24/7, emission-free electricity – lowering energy costs and improving reliability. We thank Representatives Vasquez and Baird for their leadership and support of the waste heat to power industry.” – Jennifer Schafer, Executive Director, Heat is Power Association
HiP is leading industry advocacy for the Waste Heat to Wattage Act and looks forward to championing its advancement in Congress.
Click here to view the bill text.
Click here to view Rep. Gabe Vasquez’s press release.
About the Heat is Power Association
HiP is the international trade association for the waste heat to power industry and is comprised of companies that manufacture, develop, or operate waste energy recovery systems. To learn more about HiP, please visit www.heatispower.org.
