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EPA proposes end to DEF-related engine deratements

The U.S. EPA has proposed changes to federal diesel emissions regulations that would eliminate vehicle deratements caused by Diesel Exhaust Fluid system failures.

T.J. Wilson, deputy director of rural policy for the America First Policy Institute, says the EPA’s rule revision would save American truckers an estimated $12 billion.

“It effectively ends deratements for new vehicles,” he said. “It does a variety of other things that are going to show that you can have strong clean air goals and strong environmental protections, while also not killing entire industries and constraining the livelihood of folks.”

EPA says a deratement occurs when DEF systems fail, leading to trucks and tractors losing power.

In a press release, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said the proposed rule scales back the DEF warranty requirement while keeping nearly 90% of the NOx (smog-forming pollution) reductions in place. Zeldin says the agency discussed the issue with truckers and diesel operators across the country who wanted deratements eliminated entirely.

Wilson tells Brownfield the move is critical for U.S. truckers and farmers.

“It’s another step in the incremental and really complicated process of eliminating DEF as the administration has pledged to do,” he said. “These things take time. What I would say to farmers and ranchers is be patient, continue to ask and apply pressure to the system as was done here.”

EPA will hold a 45-day public comment period and a public hearing on the proposed rule.