The Environmental Protection Agency announced on March 27 that it will remove its diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) requirements for all diesel equipment, a move supported by the National Federation of Independent Business and Alaska Senator Dan Sullivan. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said, “Failing DEF systems are not an east coast or west coast or heartland issue; it is a nationwide disaster. I have heard from truck drivers, farmers, and many others complaining about DEF and pleading for a fix in all 50 states I visited during my first year as EPA Administrator. Americans are justified in being fed up with failing DEF system issues. EPA understands this is a massive issue and has been doing everything in our statutory power to address this. Today, we take another step in furthering our work by removing DEF sensors. Farmers and truckers should not be losing billions of dollars because of repair costs or days lost on the job.”
The decision affects truckers, farmers, motor coach drivers, and other operators who rely on diesel equipment across the country. The removal of these requirements is expected to reduce operational disruptions caused by malfunctioning DEF systems.
NFIB principal for Federal Government Affairs Louis Bertolotti said, “Current EPA emissions system rules mandate that engines shut down when diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) does not reach certain operating temperatures.” Bertolotti continued: “This mandate is intended to reduce emissions. However, DEF freezes at 12 degrees Fahrenheit. In cold weather states like Alaska, where temperatures can fall below 12 degrees for extended periods of time, these rigid rules negatively impact small businesses and consumers. Moreover, an engine shutdown can cause serious harm to farmers or truck drivers who could be left stranded in remote locations in sub-zero temperatures.”
The National Federation of Independent Business empowers small business owners to shape policy decisions and promotes economic growth within communities according to the official website. The organization also advocates for policies that foster economic growth and protect the interests of small businesses as noted on the official website. NFIB offers support for small businesses across all 50 states including Alaska as indicated on the official website.
Additionally, NFIB engages in advocacy efforts aimed at influencing policies that support small business owners as detailed on its official website, provides legislative updates along with advocacy alerts tailored specifically for small businesses according to its official site, and functions as an advocacy group representing independent enterprises nationwide per its official website.
As regulatory changes such as these continue to develop at both federal and state levels, organizations like NFIB are expected to remain active participants advocating on behalf of their members.
