WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Leaders Throughout the Country Commend EPA’s Announcement on Diesel Exhaust Fluid
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced that the agency is issuing manufacturer guidance to address widespread concerns from truckers, farmers, and other diesel vehicle operators about power loss and other issues caused by selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems that use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). Specifically, EPA is urging engine and equipment manufacturers to provide solutions for diesel trucks and equipment already in use which continue to suffer from unresolved performance failures.
Here’s what people are saying:
U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins: “This announcement today is such a big deal, especially on behalf of our farmers and ranchers. At a time when our ag sector is really hurting, our farmers have had to endure a 30% cost increase in inputs, and a $30 billion Biden-era trade deficit, these everyday regulations being lifted makes such a difference.”
U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “Administrator Zeldin’s new guidance on diesel exhaust mandates will save family farmers an estimated $727 million per year. The Trump Administration is fighting to roll back Green New Scam regulations that have crushed small businesses across America’s heartland.”
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA): “The previous arbitrary diesel exhaust fluid system guidelines severely hurt farmers, truckers, and small businesses that rely on diesel powered trucks. Today we are taking another important step forward by undoing these diesel fluid guidelines that have hurt our farmers and small rural businesses. Not only will these new guidelines save family-run farms hundreds of millions of dollars per year, but it is also just common sense, folks. No farmer should have their tractor come to a halt in the middle of a field due to Green New Deal-style regulations from Washington.”
Representative Mike Collins (R-GA-10): “Great work from Administrator Loeffler and Administrator Zeldin rolling back the Green New Scam.”
Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur: “Thank you to Administrator Zeldin and EPA for listening to American farmers and ranchers and taking action to provide common sense relief from overburdensome regulation that impacts agriculture production and public safety. Seeing the Trump Administration take a tailgate conversation in rural Oklahoma about real issues impacting rural communities and promptly implement change is sincerely appreciated and an encouraging example of responsive leadership.”
Indiana Representative Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland): “After my son experienced a dangerous DEF system-related incident on the interstate, I knew something needed to change. I'm grateful to the leadership of the EPA and Trump Administration for taking the time to listen to our concerns and work toward a commonsense solution. They took the time to hear from myself and my son, Nick Davis, owner and operator of Freedom Dumpsters LLC.”
American Bus Association President and CEO Fred Ferguson: “We thank the EPA for taking action to make the derate schedule fix permanent. This change means a safer and more efficient experience for passengers, ensuring they reach their destinations without unexpected disruptions or breakdowns. After years of data collection, public comment, industry coordination, and direct engagement, we’re pleased with the Trump Administration’s meaningful regulatory improvement that prioritizes both efficiencies and operational reality. Thank you for listening to substantive and meaningful input from industry and taking action.”
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall: “Farm Bureau thanks the EPA and Administrator Zeldin for their common-sense approach to heavy trucks and off-road equipment that use Diesel Exhaust Fluid. When a vehicle runs out of DEF or there is an error in the software, it loses power, causing delays that could be the difference between getting a crop harvested or animals to their destination. EPA’s decision to grant a grace period to make repairs or refill DEF is the right thing to do. It keeps commerce moving and farmers in the field.”
American Trucking Association Vice President of Energy and Environmental Affairs Patrick Kelly: “Trucking fleets across the country applaud EPA Administrator Zeldin for responding to the concerns of our industry and providing common-sense solutions that reflect the complexities and realities of trucking. EPA’s new guidance will avoid unnecessary towing costs and equipment downtime while preserving the full environmental benefits that Selective Catalytic Reduction systems provide.”
America First Policy Institute Energy & Environment Vice Chair Oliver McPherson-Smith: “The administration's policy of energy dominance means letting Americans use the machines that keep the country running without needless breakdowns. This commonsense solution puts control back in the hands of operators and keeps equipment working. It helps transportation and energy do what they do best: create jobs and opportunity.”
America First Rural Policy Institute Vice Chair Ambassador Kip Tom: “When a tractor dies in the middle of planting or harvest, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can ruin a season’s work. By stopping sudden engine slowdowns, the EPA is helping the 1.9 million family farms that feed America, saving an estimated $727 million a year and keeping our producers on time, in the field, and on the road.”
Cummins External Communications Director Melinda Koski: “Together, we aim to provide regulatory certainty, greater flexibility, and the dependable solutions that contribute to the American economy.”
Engine Technology Forum Executive Director Allen Schaeffer: “EPA has heard from users of diesel trucks, tractors, and equipment and, working with manufacturers, has responded with these adjustments to improve operational performance while ensuring emissions integrity. . . EPA’s announcement today provides new guidance that allows manufacturers to adjust these systems to ensure that farmers, motor coach operators, and truckers who all rely on diesel engines and equipment will be able to complete critical work with sufficient lead time for scheduling maintenance and repairs.”
Freedom Dumpsters LLC Owner/Operator Nick Davis: “The EPA team listened to my concern and came to a solution quickly and efficiently. This update will make our highways safer and help small business owners like myself to continue to provide quality service to our customers”
Georgia Farm Bureau President Tom McCall: “American farmers are often bound by uncontrollable factors like weather and global market conditions. When conditions are right, it is critical that we have reliable equipment to plant seeds and harvest our crop. Our farmers have been disadvantaged by excessive regulations compared to our international competitors and the burden of additional inputs and derate issues when those systems fail. I applaud the EPA for this announcement, their attention to restoring reason in regulations on equipment only used for a portion of the year, and prioritizing the production of a safe, reliable food supply.”
Iowa Farm Bureau: "Iowa Farm Bureau appreciates the Administration and Environmental Protection Agency for their common-sense approach to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) regulations for heavy trucks and farm equipment. Power loss from DEF issues can delay harvest or the transportation of livestock, and this action will help to keep agriculture moving forward."
Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association Executive Director Rasto Brezny: “Clean technology suppliers applaud Administrator Zeldin and EPA staff for listening to the concerns of end users and working with industry to develop a commonsense engine derate stringency that balances the needs of owner/operators with continued engine and emission control performance. SCR systems have been integral parts to trucks in the US and around the globe since 2010.”
Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) President Mike McCormick: “MFBF applauds the EPA in making these key changes to the regulations that govern diesel exhaust fluid systems. While well intended to reduce emissions, DEF systems have brought significant repair costs and untimely delays during planting and harvesting. This is a huge win for Mississippi farmers and ranchers.”
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins: “Missouri Farm Bureau appreciates the Environmental Protection Agency and Administrator Lee Zeldin for taking this common-sense step to reduce government overreach that disrupts agriculture with its revisions to the Diesel Exhaust Fluid guidelines. Our members have spoken loud and clear: power losses in equipment due to DEF issues significantly disrupt farming operations. This is just the latest example of an administration that’s listening to our members and showing it has the backs of America’s farmers.”
National Cotton Ginners Association and National Cotton Council Chairman Patrick Johnson: “We appreciate the EPA and the entire administration for addressing the issues of and providing support to small businesses and farmers. This common-sense fix for DEF systems means more productivity in the field and less worry about unexpected breakdowns. The actions taken by EPA to protect diesel equipment operators from sudden speed and power losses caused by DEF systems will certainly benefit the cotton industry.”
National Sorghum Producers: “Big win for America’s farmers and truckers! Thank you EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for listening to the concerns of farmers, truckers, and equipment operators and taking action to fix diesel exhaust fluid system issues. This new guidance will keep tractors, trucks, and other diesel-powered equipment running when it matters most-without compromising environmental standards-and is expected to save family farms an estimated $727 million each year. Your leadership makes a real difference in the field.”
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey: “OCA applauds the Trump Administration’s EPA for listening, recognizing, and acting upon the issues surrounding DEF. Cattle Producers should not be hamstrung by onerous issues when transporting their livestock or supplies. Thank you, EPA, for his common-sense step in the right direction.”
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) President Todd Spencer: “OOIDA and the 150,000 small-business truckers we represent thank Administrator Zeldin for listening to the men and women behind the wheel who keep America’s economy moving. EPA’s guidance establishes more commonsense inducement schedules that will help drivers maintain safe control of their vehicles as they diagnose and remedy faulty DEF/SCR systems. More flexible inducement speeds and times will help truckers finish their trips, plan for necessary maintenance, and avoid parking their truck for an extended period simply because of a false alarm. Nonsensical inducement rules have sidelined small-business truckers for too long and this accelerated relief shows what can be achieved when regulators hear directly from the people doing the job. We look forward to continued engagement with [Administrator] Zeldin and his staff to implement additional emissions solutions that better reflect the realities of trucking.”
Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) Executive Vice President Timothy Blubaugh: “EMA and its member companies welcome the new guidance and are preparing to implement it as quickly as possible. The new guidance is evidence of EPA’s willingness to engage with stakeholders to understand the complexities of industry. We look forward to continued collaboration with EPA and other industry stakeholders to find workable solutions to ensure heavy-duty diesel engines continue to provide clean and efficient power for trucking, agriculture, and other crucial industries.”
Truck Renting & Leasing Association (TRALA) President and CEO Jake Jacoby: “TRALA commends the EPA for listening to trucking industry concerns by issuing today's revised SCR inducement guidance. This new guidance will not only continue to discourage modifications or tampering with SCR aftertreatment systems but will also afford more time at higher speeds during derate periods to ensure the delivery of freight and the safety of drivers as they return their vehicles to maintenance facilities for inspection and service.”
United Motorcoach Association President and CEO Scott Michael: “The United Motorcoach Association applauds the new guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency under the leadership of Administrator Lee Zeldin regarding Diesel Exhaust Fluid regulations for motorcoaches. EPA’s new guidance will improve safety, avoid passengers stranded on the side of the road, and unnecessary towing costs while maintaining the goal of safeguarding the environment.”
Vandalia Bus Lines Operations Manager Phil Streif: “They came out early, promising a goal to reduce regulation and the red tape that makes our businesses more challenging to operate. After many exchanges, we made great progress, and now we’re finally at the finish line... [This is] a game changer... There are so many things that run through your head when you see an inducement code and know you have four hours before the bus is essentially inoperable. We’re moving the most precious cargo there is — people — and derating created a profound safety risk for our drivers and passengers.”
Volvo Group North America Director of Public Relations Janie Coley: “Volvo Group believes the new strategy strikes the right balance between ensuring that potential system problems are addressed in a timely fashion and addressing customer concerns about the productivity impacts of the current inducements.”