Federal regulators are taking decisive action to amend diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) regulations, which have led to unexpected power losses in trucks and agricultural equipment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have issued guidance encouraging manufacturers to update software, providing operators with additional time to secure DEF and prevent costly shutdowns. This initiative aims to alleviate burdens on small businesses while delivering substantial financial benefits.
The SBA estimates that these reforms could save family farms approximately $727 million annually by reducing downtime, repairs, and DEF-related maintenance costs. With about 1.8 million family farms managing nearly 90% of U.S. farmland, the implications for rural economies are significant.
Regulatory Changes to Support Small Businesses
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers and truckers. “The Trump Administration is fighting for farmers and truckers, as evidenced by the EPA’s new DEF guidance, which is a big win for the millions of small businesses who rely on diesel engines,” Loeffler stated. She added that the changes will provide vital financial and operational certainty for these businesses.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin acknowledged the widespread concerns about the current DEF system. “We have heard loud and clear from small businesses across the United States that the current DEF system is unacceptable,” he remarked. Zeldin highlighted the financial impact of equipment failures on farmers, truckers, and construction workers, stating that the agency’s guidance aims to eliminate unnecessary shutdowns and power losses.
Starting with model year 2027, new on-road diesel trucks must be engineered to prevent sudden, severe power reductions when DEF levels are low. For existing vehicles, the EPA’s guidance facilitates software updates without requiring separate approvals, expediting the implementation of solutions for the current fleet.
Impact on Agriculture and the Economy
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins described the new regulations as a common-sense reform that will enable agricultural producers to spend more time in the fields instead of in repair shops. “This is another example of President Trump’s cabinet working hand in hand to cut wasteful government regulations that constrain our farmers, ranchers, and small business owners,” Rollins stated.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) also expressed support for the regulatory changes, criticizing previous guidelines as harmful to those reliant on diesel-powered vehicles. “No farmer should ever have their tractor literally brought to a halt in the middle of a field because of a regulation from Washington,” Ernst said. She asserted that the new guidelines would save family-run farms hundreds of millions every year, describing the move as a matter of common sense.
DEF has been integral to selective catalytic reduction systems since 2010 in efforts to reduce nitrogen oxides emitted by diesel engines. Nonetheless, when DEF levels drop or sensors malfunction, the current regulations can lead to drastic reductions in speed—sometimes down to five miles per hour—thereby disrupting vital sectors such as agriculture, trucking, and construction.
The revised approach seeks to maintain emissions reduction targets while preventing sudden operational disruptions. With this initiative, the EPA and SBA aim to foster a more robust environment for small businesses and family farms across the United States, ensuring they can operate efficiently and effectively in an increasingly competitive landscape.
