Federal regulators in the United States have announced a significant adjustment to the regulations governing diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), aimed at preventing sudden speed and power losses in trucks and agricultural equipment. The new guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages manufacturers to enhance software, enabling operators to secure DEF supplies more effectively and avoid costly shutdowns.
This policy shift is expected to relieve the financial burden on small businesses, particularly family farms, which the SBA estimates could benefit from savings of approximately $727 million annually. This relief comes as family farms manage nearly 90 percent of U.S. farmland, contributing significantly to the economy of rural areas.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “The Trump Administration is fighting for farmers and truckers, as evidenced by the EPA’s new DEF guidance. This change will save family farms an estimated $727 million per year and offers vital financial and operational certainty.” She highlighted the collaborative effort with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reduce regulatory barriers for essential producers in the agricultural sector.
In response to feedback from small businesses, EPA Administrator Zeldin acknowledged the frustrations caused by the existing DEF system. “We have heard loud and clear from small businesses across the United States that the current DEF system is unacceptable,” he stated. “Today, we are responding to those concerns by calling on manufacturers to take action to update their software and eliminate the unnecessary sudden loss of power and frustrating shutdowns.”
Impact on the Agricultural Sector
Starting with the 2027 model year, new on-road diesel trucks will be required to prevent abrupt and severe power loss when DEF is depleted. For existing vehicles, the EPA’s guidance simplifies the process for implementing software fixes, allowing for quicker deployment of solutions that do not necessitate separate approvals.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins praised the initiative, stating, “This common sense reform will allow our agricultural producers to spend more time in the fields than in the repair shop.” She underscored the administration’s commitment to supporting biofuels and enhancing the viability of American farmers.
The DEF system has been integral to selective catalytic reduction systems since 2010, aiming to reduce nitrogen oxides from diesel engines. However, the depletion of DEF or malfunctioning sensors can lead to drastic slowdowns of vehicles—sometimes down to five miles per hour—resulting in significant disruptions for agriculture, trucking, and construction industries.
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) commented on the previous regulations, asserting, “No farmer should ever have their tractor literally brought to a halt in the middle of a field because of a Green New Deal style regulation from Washington.” She expressed confidence that the new guidelines would not only save family-run farms hundreds of millions of dollars each year but would also bring a sense of practicality to the industry.
This regulatory adjustment is projected to have widespread effects on the agricultural landscape, potentially enhancing productivity and financial stability for countless family farms across the nation. As the EPA and SBA implement these changes, the ripple effects are expected to bolster the resilience of rural economies heavily reliant on agricultural output.