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
Five State Star honorees discussed the projects and experiences that earned them statewide recognition.
As Special Envoy for American Landowners, John Rich will serve as a leading advocate for America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, helping ensure their concerns are heard and their rights are protected.
Senate Western Caucus Chairman Sen. Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming joins us to discuss public lands grazing, New World screwworm response efforts, Western Caucus priorities, and policy supporting the future of rural America.

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:

Illinois Pork Producers Association’s Jennifer Tirey recaps the World Pork Expo, key issues facing pork producers, and efforts to restore pork options in Chicago Public Schools.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses a new bipartisan surface transportation bill, industry efforts to address regulatory concerns, investments in truck parking and freight infrastructure, and the outlook for transportation policy.
USDA confirmed the latest cases involve a calf in La Salle County and a dog in Andrews County
CoBank economist Brian Earnest joins us to discuss the rapid growth of the meat snack category, shifting consumer protein demand, and how food companies are adapting to a changing retail landscape.
Texas Tech’s Dr. Jennifer Koziol discusses the latest New World screwworm cases in Texas, ongoing response efforts, and how livestock biosecurity can prevent the pest’s spread.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the next generation of Canadian agricultural policy, producer priorities, concerns surrounding risk management programs, and what the framework could mean for agriculture on both sides of the border.
Agriculture Shows
How Farms Work is a family-friendly YouTube channel that showcases beef and crop farms located in Southwestern Wisconsin. Equipment operation, techniques, and farming strategies are all first-hand accounts given by Ryan, an Agriculture Business major whose family runs these farms.
Misilla is the host of Learn to Grow and The Crafty Mom on YouTube. A Pacific Northwest mother of four who is passionate about organic gardening, sustainable living, homesteading, and education, her videos and social media posts consist of gardening, outdoor recreation, healthy living, crafts, science experiments, DIY projects, and delicious recipes.
In the first week of each month, “Down Home Virginia,” produced by the Virginia Farm Bureau, airs its half-hour program. Other states’ Farm Bureaus featured on different weeks include Texas, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Tennessee, Idaho, and New York, and news from the American Farm Bureau from Washington, D.C.
Created by former Louisiana Farm Bureau PR Director and former host Regnal Wallace, “This Week in Louisiana Agriculture,” is one of the state’s longest-running TV programs.