GRAIN VALLEY, MISSOURI (RFD NEWS) — The new Right to Repair guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to reduce downtime and maintenance costs for equipment owners, a move being welcomed across agriculture and the commercial trucking industry.
Lewie Pugh with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) joined us on Monday’s Market Day Report to share his perspective on what the guidance means for drivers and operators.
In his interview with RFD NEWS, Pugh explained that the rule also applies to diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) equipment, giving operators greater access to diagnostics and repairs without being locked into manufacturer-only service options. He also noted that the change could improve efficiency and lower costs across the industry.
Pugh provided background on California’s Clean Truck Check rules, which no longer apply to out-of-state commercial vehicles, and outlined why the regulation’s removal is a benefit for interstate trucking operations and agricultural haulers moving goods across state lines.
Pugh also addressed the EPA’s recent request for information from the top 14 manufacturers of on-road and off-road vehicles that use DEF systems. He discussed what the agency is seeking to learn and the potential implications for manufacturers and equipment owners.
Fred Nichols, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Huma, joined us with a sneak peek at Commodity Classic next week in San Antonio, Texas.
February 18, 2026 04:01 PM
·
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
February 18, 2026 01:58 PM
·
Federal aid helps, but producers will bear most of the losses. Balance sheets may look stable, but margins remain fragile without policy support.
February 18, 2026 01:49 PM
·
RFD NEWS Markets Specialist Tony St. James reviews the USDA’s Farms and Land in Farms 2025 Summary.
February 18, 2026 01:38 PM
·
February 18, 2026 01:07 PM
·
Biofuel and corn producers await proposal as Renewable Fuels Association pushes for expanded ethanol access.
February 18, 2026 12:53 PM
·
Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
February 18, 2026 12:18 PM
·
Bayer’s Monsanto announces $7.25B class settlement for Roundup™ lawsuits alleging Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), covering claims over 21 years.
February 17, 2026 04:14 PM
·
Farmer Ed Bell shares how AGRAbility helped him return to his family’s strawberry farm and inspire resilience, legacy, and hope in rural life.
February 17, 2026 03:12 PM
·