GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. (RFD NEWS) — The trucking industry is weighing in on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to change diesel emissions rules, with some groups saying the revisions could have been a bigger step toward addressing concerns from small-business truckers.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the proposed rule changes could mean for truck owners, operators, and agricultural businesses that rely on trucking.
In his interview with RFD News, Pugh said the EPA announced changes to the 2027 truck emissions rulemaking, including the elimination of the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) inducement, which would have limited truck performance if the vehicle ran out of DEF or experienced an exhaust issue. Instead, newer trucks would provide warnings through audible alerts and dashboard lights.
However, Pugh said other concerns remain, including continued requirements around nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards, the use of DEF, and changes to warranty requirements.
While the proposal received support from the administration, truck manufacturers, and some larger fleets, Pugh said his organization views it as a missed opportunity, particularly for small-business truckers who make up a large portion of the industry.
He said many owner-operators may continue using older equipment if newer trucks remain too expensive or difficult to maintain, adding that farmers and other small businesses face similar challenges when evaluating equipment purchases.
Pugh encouraged truckers, farmers, and others impacted by the rule to submit comments during the EPA’s rulemaking process. He said public feedback is an important part of helping regulators understand how the changes could affect small businesses and agriculture.
