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

OODIA’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
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
Farm bill negotiations remain unsettled, leaving producers waiting for updated federal support programs.
Domestic textile demand plays a shrinking role in supporting U.S. cotton prices.
Purdue University’s Dr. Michael Langemeier discusses the survey’s findings in February and broader signals in the months ahead.
Roger McEowen of Washburn University School of Law joined us to discuss key legal and tax issues ranchers should consider as they recover from recent prairie fires across the Southern Plains.
Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.

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:

FarmHer Morgan Flowers combines her legal background with a love for cheese making at Flowers Creamery in Ethridge, Tennessee.
In his latest Firm to Farm blog post, Ag Legal & Taxation Expert Roger McEowen examines contracts, insurance, and property rights and how those legal processes can impact your farm or ranch operation.
Meet FarmHER Stephanie Stade Townsend, part of the second generation on Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry, Illinois. The popular agritourism spot outside Chicago offers carnival attractions alongside their classic farmer’s market and u-pick produce and flower farm!
FarmHER and expectant mother Stephanie Stade-Townsend showcases her family’s thriving agritourism destination just outside Chicago.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.