EPA shares industry reactions to DEF ‘limp mode’ fix

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a roundup of comments on the agency’s plan to provide relief for truckers and farmers dealing with slow speed and power loss related to vehicle diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems.

On Tuesday, August 12, the EPA announced new guidance calling on manufacturers to update system software in existing vehicles and equipment to prevent the sudden speed and power loss (also known as “limp mode”) that occurs when DEF runs out or a system sensor fails.

“Specifically, EPA is urging engine and equipment manufacturers to provide solutions for diesel trucks and equipment already in use which continue to suffer from unresolved performance failures,” the agency said.

On August 14, the EPA followed up on Tuesday’s announcement about the proposed DEF “fix” by releasing a roundup of responses from industry stakeholders, lawmakers, and other leaders from across the country commending the agency for taking action to support the trucking and farming industries.

See below for reactions to the EPA’s DEF fix.

Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) Executive Vice President Timothy Blubaugh: “EMA and its member companies welcome the new guidance and are preparing to implement it as quickly as possible. The new guidance is evidence of EPA’s willingness to engage with stakeholders to understand the complexities of industry. We look forward to continued collaboration with EPA and other industry stakeholders to find workable solutions to ensure heavy-duty diesel engines continue to provide clean and efficient power for trucking, agriculture, and other crucial industries.” 

Freedom Dumpsters LLC Owner/Operator Nick Davis: “The EPA team listened to my concern and came to a solution quickly and efficiently. This update will make our highways safer and help small business owners like myself to continue to provide quality service to our customers” 

Indiana Representative Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland): “After my son experienced a dangerous DEF system-related incident on the interstate, I knew something needed to change. I’m grateful to the leadership of the EPA and Trump Administration for taking the time to listen to our concerns and work toward a commonsense solution. They took the time to hear from myself and my son, Nick Davis, owner and operator of Freedom Dumpsters LLC.” 

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.  Today we are taking another important step forward by undoing these diesel fluid guidelines that have hurt our farmers and small rural businesses. Not only will these new guidelines save family-run farms hundreds of millions of dollars per year, but it is also just common sense, folks. No farmer should have their tractor come to a halt in the middle of a field due to Green New Deal-style regulations from Washington.” 

Volvo Group North America Director of Public Relations Janie Coley: “Volvo Group believes the new strategy strikes the right balance between ensuring that potential system problems are addressed in a timely fashion and addressing customer concerns about the productivity impacts of the current inducements.” 

Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA) Executive Vice President Michael Kelsey: “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.” 

Cummins External Communications Director Melinda Koski: “Together, we aim to provide regulatory certainty, greater flexibility, and the dependable solutions that contribute to the American economy.” 

Engine Technology Forum Executive Director Allen Schaeffer: “EPA has heard from users of diesel trucks, tractors, and equipment and, working with manufacturers, has responded with these adjustments to improve operational performance while ensuring emissions integrity. . . EPA’s announcement today provides new guidance that allows manufacturers to adjust these systems to ensure that farmers, motor coach operators, and truckers who all rely on diesel engines and equipment will be able to complete critical work with sufficient lead time for scheduling maintenance and repairs.”   

American Trucking Association Vice President of Energy and Environmental Affairs Patrick Kelly: “Trucking fleets across the country applaud EPA Administrator Zeldin for responding to the concerns of our industry and providing common-sense solutions that reflect the complexities and realities of trucking. EPA’s new guidance will avoid unnecessary towing costs and equipment downtime while preserving the full environmental benefits that Selective Catalytic Reduction systems provide.”