Vinyl Institute Honors Rep. Josh Riley for Bipartisan LEAPS Act Advocacy

Event summary

  • Vinyl Institute awarded Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) its 2026 Congressional Champion of the Year for his role in advancing the LEAPS Act.
  • LEAPS Act aims to modernize irrigation systems for farmers, reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.
  • Vinyl Institute represents 3,000 U.S. manufacturing facilities, 350,000 employees, and a $54B economic value.
  • Previous winners include Senators and Representatives from both parties, highlighting bipartisan support for vinyl industry priorities.

The big picture

The Vinyl Institute's recognition of Rep. Josh Riley underscores the industry's strategic push for bipartisan support to advance energy-efficient infrastructure. The LEAPS Act's focus on modernizing irrigation systems aligns with broader trends in sustainable manufacturing and agricultural technology. With a $54B economic footprint, the vinyl industry's influence on U.S. policy and manufacturing is poised to grow, particularly as climate and energy efficiency remain legislative priorities.

What we're watching

Policy Influence
How the LEAPS Act's passage will impact Vinyl Institute's legislative agenda and future advocacy efforts.
Industry Growth
Whether increased bipartisan support will accelerate the vinyl industry's expansion in U.S. manufacturing.
Market Dynamics
The pace at which modernized irrigation systems adoption will drive demand for vinyl products.