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The United States’ current administration is taking a much different approach to regulating vehicle emissions than its predecessors. Whereas Clean Air Act enforcement ramped up for years, making headlines with civil penalties and criminal fines aplenty, the Environmental Protection Agency has focused on deregulation as of late. That trend could soon escalate, depending on how the EPA responds to President Trump’s new right-to-repair request.
The White House published a memorandum of understanding on Monday, with the President pushing to ease the “crushing environmental regulatory burdens [that] caused the average cost of vehicles to soar.” In response to said burdens, he’s encouraging the EPA to clarify what emissions repairs are legal and issue guidance to consumers so they can avoid running afoul of the CAA. Additionally, the President requested that the EPA work to reduce reliance on the California Air Resources Board for parts certification—a known snag for some aftermarket manufacturers.
But maybe the most relevant takeaway for consumers is this: President Trump’s MOU urges the EPA to consider deprioritizing enforcement against “anyone who, in good faith, attempts to fix his or her own vehicle to its original configuration.” In other words, if someone uses parts that aren’t CARB- or EPA-approved to repair their car or truck, the EPA should contemplate whether or not legal action is necessary. Note the last part of the President’s phrasing, however, as he makes clear that his suggestion pertains only to those who try maintaining their vehicle’s original configuration.
One might assume that rules out anyone purposely removing emissions equipment from their vehicle, like a truck’s diesel particulate filter or exhaust gas recirculation system. But pay close attention to the fact that none of this memo is binding, but rather, suggestive. The President is leaving it up to the EPA to decide what should and should not be enforced, meaning that Administrator Lee Zeldin—who typically sides with frustrated consumers instead of environmental lawmakers—could have the final say.
It’s too early to tell what this will mean for vehicle owners. An educated guess could be made that the EPA will heed President Trump’s cautioning against more enforcement. The big question is whether the agency will leave it up to consumers to decide what modifications are kosher and which are not, depending on how “good faith” is defined.
Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com
From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.
