The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new action aimed at protecting farmers, truckers, and first responders from sudden power loss caused by Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems. This new guidance, developed after listening to concerns from the agricultural community, will allow for a more reasonable and flexible approach to DEF system warnings. Farm Director KC Sheperd had the opportunity to talk about this with Scott Mason, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) South Central Region.
The announcement came from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Regional Administrator Scott Mason, who attended an agriculture roundtable in Western Oklahoma where the issue was raised, highlighted the speed of the agency’s response. “I for one, did not expect us to have something on the books so quickly,” Mason said. “I am extremely proud of this effort…to help out our farmers and ranchers who at that round table were telling us that DEF requirements directly impacted their operations.”
Fixing the Problem, Now and for the Future
The new guidance aims to solve the problem for both existing and future diesel vehicles. The core issue, as Mason explained, is that if a vehicle runs out of DEF or a sensor fails, the system is programmed to “automatically shut down or severely restrict power.” This can be a major problem for farmers in the middle of a harvest or for first responders in an emergency.
The new guidance provides a two-pronged solution:
- Immediate Action (Existing Vehicles): Engine and equipment manufacturers can now, without bureaucratic delays, revise the software in existing vehicles to prevent sudden shutdowns.
- Future Requirements (New Vehicles): Starting with the 2027 model year, all new diesel on-road trucks must be engineered to avoid a sudden and complete loss of power.
This means that a farmer’s older equipment will also be able to receive a software update to prevent being stranded. The guidance provides a new framework for how a vehicle’s performance is impacted after a DEF warning:
- For non-road equipment (tractors, combines): A 25% torque reduction takes effect only after 36 hours, followed by a 50% torque reduction after 100 hours.
- For heavy-duty trucks: A driver will have up to 650 miles or 10 hours before the engine is derated to 15%. A full loss of speed won’t occur until after 10,500 miles, giving drivers ample time to make repairs.
“Smart Regulations” and Economic Impact
Mason emphasized that this change is about creating a “win-win” situation, allowing the EPA to maintain its mission of protecting air quality while simultaneously supporting the economy. He said the previous system had a “huge unintended consequence” by slowing down work progress. This new approach, he believes, “goes a long way” in addressing the main concerns of the agricultural community. “This is going to be a huge benefit,” Mason stated. “It allows farmers and ranchers to focus on what they do best, which is to run their farming operations.”
For farmers and others with questions, Mason recommends contacting their dealership or visiting the official epa.gov website for more information.
“We’re moving at lightning speed to get stuff done,” Mason concluded, expressing pride in the administration’s swift action in response to feedback from the American people.
OCA’s Michael Kelsey gave this response: “OCA applauds the Trump Administration’s EPA for listening, recognizing, and acting upon the issues surrounding DEF. Cattle Producers should not be hamstrung by onerous issues when transporting their livestock or supplies. Thank you, EPA, for his common-sense step in the right direction.”
