What They Are Saying: U.S. Leaders, American Automakers and Consumers Cheer EPA’s Implementation of President Trump’s “Freedom To Fix” Memo, Greenlighting SEMA’s Certification of Aftermarket Products
WASHINGTON – On July 1, 2026, in accordance with President Trump’s new memorandum, “Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin ensured every American has the freedom to fix their vehicle, reducing reliance on the California Air Resource Board emission certification process for aftermarket vehicle products.
EPA also recognized the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as an alternative certification authority for aftermarket vehicle parts, allowing Americans to use SEMA’s Certified Emissions Program to show compliance with the Clean Air Act and verify that approved aftermarket parts do not negatively impact vehicle emissions. With SEMA being well positioned to help American small businesses remain competitive and successful in the aftermarket sector, this action delivers on President Trump’s agenda to revitalize our American auto industry.
Here’s what people are saying:
Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH): “President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin are bringing common sense to automotive repair. Biden and the radical DC Democrats had created an environment of total chaos and destruction. Another great day for the US consumer!”
Alliance for Automotive Innovation President and CEO John Bozzella: “[The] White House memorandum reaffirms these principles: protecting both automotive intellectual property and confidential business information. That’s an important acknowledgement and builds on the longstanding commitment from automakers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the same repair instructions, tools and diagnostic codes they provide franchised auto dealers. This is precisely what we've been saying as far back as 2003: Automakers support the freedom to fix. Always have, always will. So, a significant directive from President Trump and the EPA that should end the confusion and controversy around automotive repair once and for all.”
BluePrint Engines Founder Norris Marshall: “The work of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the support of President Trump will ensure the automotive aftermarket as a reasonable way of complying with the Clean Air Act. This makes it possible for aftermarket parts to be EPA approved and protects our manufacturers, distributors, and installers. A great step for the aftermarket and for consumers!!”
D’Antonio Automotive Founder and CEO Tony D’Antonio: “As a small business owner, I know how important it is for people in our industry to have certainty for getting their products to market. I very much appreciate the efforts of Administrator Zeldin and the EPA to verify the important role the SEMA Certified-Emissions program has in our industry’s push to achieve aftermarket emissions compliance and give their support to a true industry-driven solution that makes sense for all stakeholders.”
Holley Group Vice President of Engineering Aaron Stewart: “Holley is grateful for the work the EPA has done to support the automotive aftermarket and help create clearer pathways for compliant products. The acceptance of SEMA Certified-Emissions is an important step forward for the industry and helps manufacturers continue developing clean, compliant products that consumers can use to repair, modify, and enjoy their vehicles. We appreciate the continued push to support responsible innovation and bring better products to market.”
HushMat & ZyCoat Founder and CEO Tim McCarthy: “We applaud the recent actions by EPA Administrator Zeldin and President Trump to support the safe and practical aftermarket part certifications of SEMA Certified-Emissions and the right to work on and modify vehicles. This brings continued innovation and entrepreneurial strength of the automotive aftermarket Industry!”
Magnuson Superchargers CEO Kim Pendergast: “This breakthrough will not only allow us to serve our customers better but also encourage more manufacturers to engage in the certification process. Thank you, SEMA and EPA, for finding a path that protects our environment and small business owners.”
National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA): “NADA applauds the president and the EPA for reforming the certification process for vehicle emissions parts without disrupting the 2014 and 2015 auto and truck memorandums of understanding that continue to ensure a competitive vehicle repair marketplace.”
Opus Intelligent Vehicle Support CEO Brian Herron: “As a lifelong enthusiast, a right to repair and right to modify advocate, and someone who has spent decades in vehicle diagnostics and the automotive aftermarket, I believe EPA’s recognition of SEMA Certified-Emissions is an important and practical step forward. This action gives responsible companies a clear, nationally recognized path to demonstrate compliance while continuing to innovate and serve consumers. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin and the Trump Administration for advancing regulatory clarity that supports clean air, American businesses, and the enthusiast community.”
ProCharger Superchargers President Ken Jones: “ProCharger applauds the Trump administration and EPA Administrator Zeldin for acknowledging SEMA Certified-Emissions and the small businesses that are the backbone of the automotive aftermarket. It’s a win for the American consumer and small businesses across our country.”
SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola: “The EPA has verified what SEMA for years has told regulators at the state and federal levels: that the automotive aftermarket industry has a precise mechanism to support emissions testing compliance with federal laws, and it’s called SEMA Certified-Emissions. This EPA recognition of the SEMA Certified-Emissions program by the EPA is nothing short of a pioneering action by the federal government to utilize private-public partnerships in service to industry regulatory compliance efforts. We’re beyond pleased to continue to provide this service to aftermarket businesses so they can bring their innovative products to the market, and with a renewed certainty that our nation’s clean-air laws are being followed.”
SEMA Board Chair and Hellwig Products CEO Melanie White: “This is a significant win for the automotive aftermarket industry and for the thousands of businesses that serve enthusiasts across the country. The recognition of SEMA Certified for emissions compliance helps unlock access to sales in 49 states, providing greater clarity and confidence for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. This achievement is the result of years of dedicated work by the SEMA team and our industry partners, and I want to personally thank everyone who helped make it possible. We appreciate this recognition and the positive impact it will have on our members, their businesses, and the customers they serve.”
SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network Chair Bob Morreale: “The automotive aftermarket represents some of America's most innovative small businesses, yet demonstrating emissions compliance has often been one of the greatest barriers to bringing new products to market. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the agency have taken an important step by providing greater certainty around federal compliance without creating new regulatory requirements. This practical, industry-informed approach recognizes our shared commitment to meeting environmental standards while giving manufacturers a faster, more cost-effective path to demonstrate that their products comply with federal law. The SEMA Emerging Trends & Technology Network applauds this effort to support innovation, strengthen small businesses, and advance responsible product development.”
SEMA Immediate Past Chair and ProCharger Director of Business Development Kyle Fickler: “Thank you to Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for recognizing that SEMA Certified-Emissions offers a common-sense solution for the American consumer that validates the innovation and technical expertise of the automotive aftermarket.”