WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal regulators are moving to ease diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) rules that have triggered sudden speed and power losses in trucks and equipment, unveiling guidance that urges manufacturers to update software so operators have more time to secure DEF and avoid costly shutdowns. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration say the change will cut red tape for small businesses and deliver significant cost savings.
SBA estimates the action could save family farms about $727 million annually by reducing downtime, repairs, and DEF-related maintenance. With roughly 1.8 million family farms operating nearly 90 percent of U.S. farmland, the impact is expected to ripple across rural economies.
“The Trump Administration is fighting for farmers and truckers, as evidenced by the EPA’s new DEF guidance which is a big win for the millions of small businesses who rely on diesel engines – and who have been crushed by years of costly Green New Scam regulations,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “This change will save family farms an estimated $727 million per year and offers vital financial and operational certainty. I’m proud to work alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to reduce red tape for our nation’s producers and deliver real relief for hardworking Americans.”
“We have heard loud and clear from small businesses across the United States that the current DEF system is unacceptable. It is unacceptable that farmers, truckers, construction workers, and many other small businesses continually experience failures of diesel-powered equipment when they need it most—costing millions of dollars in lost productivity,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin. “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 that too many Americans have experienced.”
Starting with model year 2027, new on-road diesel trucks must be designed to avoid abrupt, severe power loss when DEF runs out. For vehicles already in service, EPA’s guidance—developed with manufacturers—clears the path for software fixes without requiring separate approvals, aiming to speed deployment of solutions across the existing fleet.
“This is yet another example of President Trump’s cabinet working hand in hand to cut absurd and wasteful government regulations that tie the hands of our farmers, ranchers, and small business owners,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “This common sense reform will allow our agricultural producers to spend more time in the fields than in the repair shop. On behalf of farmers and ranchers across America, I want to thank Administrator Zeldin for taking this historic action today. This is on top of the Trump Administration’s actions to support biofuels more than any other administration in the history of our country, putting our corn and soybean farmers first.”
DEF has been central to selective catalytic reduction systems since 2010 to curb nitrogen oxides from diesel engines. But when DEF is depleted or sensors fail, current controls can force drastic slowdowns—sometimes to five miles per hour within hours—disrupting agriculture, trucking, and construction. The agencies say the new approach preserves emissions goals while preventing sudden derates that stall operations.
“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,” said Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). “The previous arbitrary diesel exhaust fluid system guidelines severely hurt farmers, truckers, and small businesses that rely on diesel powered trucks. Not only will the new guidelines save family-run farms hundreds of millions every year, but it is also simply common sense.”
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