New EPA guidance will save farmers millions in costly equipment shutdowns
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their decisive action in issuing new guidance that protects farmers, truckers, and other diesel equipment operators from sudden speed and power losses caused by diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems without compromising environmental protection standards.
“For years, I’ve heard from Texas farmers, ranchers, and truckers forced off the job by ridiculous DEF shutdowns right in the middle of planting, harvest, or hauling,” Commissioner Miller said. “This nonsense has robbed our producers of time, money, and peace of mind. Administrator Zeldin’s decision is proof that, under President Trump, Washington is finally listening to rural America.”
The announcement, made by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin alongside U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler at the Iowa State Fair, directs engine and equipment manufacturers to revise DEF system software in existing vehicles and equipment. This update will prevent abrupt shutdowns and give operators more time to address maintenance needs—ensuring productivity and safety in the field and on the road.
Current DEF shutdown rules are estimated to cost family farms and small businesses $727 million annually due to lost productivity, repair and service expenses, missed deadlines, penalties for late deliveries, and crop quality losses resulting from missed harvest windows.
“Texas agriculture runs on hard work and diesel power,” Miller said. “This action cuts Washington out of the driver’s seat, strengthens our rural economy, and delivers the relief farmers and ranchers have been demanding for years. This new EPA guidance will save producers millions, stop costly equipment shutdowns, and keep Texas agriculture plowing ahead.”
For more information on this decision, see the official EPA release here.