Trucking Industry Gets a Boost from New EPA ‘Right to Repair’ Guidance

OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses the EPA’s new Right to Repair guidance and other regulatory developments impacting the trucking and agriculture industries.

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.

Related Stories
Chris McGovern from Connected Nation joined us Tuesday to break down the findings and discuss their implications for rural America.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until October 12 to sign a bill passed by the California state legislature allowing E15 sales.
USDA and EPA officials aim to maintain America’s robust food supply while ensuring farmers have access to key resources and crop protection tools.
The Senate failed to pass a continuing resolution that had been approved by the House the previous week. They could take it up again today, but it would take seven democrats to end the stalemate.
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Expect firmer shop prices, leaner inventories, and selective hiring in ag-adjacent businesses — plan parts, service, and financing needs earlier.
FFA students in New York City are transforming urban spaces into working farms while gaining hands-on skills that connect city life with the roots of agriculture.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joins us to discuss the idea behind the campaign and why accurate labeling on plant-based beverages matters to both consumers and dairy producers.
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to share insight into what’s happening on the ground and in the markets.
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.