By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently issued new guidance clarifying that the Clean Air Act supports farmers’ right to repair their own agricultural equipment.

The clarification is expected to save farmers money and reduce costly downtime during critical planting and harvesting seasons. The agency said the guidance could save farmers thousands of dollars per repair by reducing dealer-only service costs and limiting lost productivity.

According to EPA, the Clean Air Act supports, rather than restricts, farmers’ ability to repair farm and other nonroad diesel equipment.

“The Clean Air Act, which is one of our base laws at EPA, does not prevent people from being able to repair and replace their own equipment,” Aaron Szabo, the assistant administrator of EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation, told the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network. “If you’re a farmer, instead of having to go to a certified dealer that could be miles away, could result in hours if not days of lost productivity, you can fix it yourself or have a local technician fix it.”

The guidance makes clear that manufacturers can no longer cite the Clean Air Act as a reason to limit access to repair tools or software, giving famers greater control over their equipment.

For farmers, the ability to quickly fix equipment can be the difference between staying on schedule and losing valuable time during planting or harvest.

The guidance is intended to correct years of confusion surrounding the law’s interpretation. EPA officials said some manufacturers have improperly used emissions rules to restrict access to diagnostic tools and software, even though the Clean Air Act does not prohibit independent or owner repairs.

“Unfortunately, although we’ve stated this in different ways over the years, we’ve had some manufacturers who have still taken the position that it’s illegal for individuals to be able to repair their own equipment,” Szabo said.

The clarification was sent directly to manufacturers across the nation to eliminate any remaining confusion.

“The EPA is proud to set the record straight and protect farmers,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said. “Common sense is following the law as it is written, and that is what the Trump EPA is committed to doing. By protecting every American’s right to repair, we’re not just fixing devices, we’re securing a stronger, more independent future for our country.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins welcomed the announcement.

“This is another win for American farmers and ranchers by the Trump administration. By clarifying manufacturers can no longer use the Clean Air Act to justify limiting access to repair tools or software, we are reaffirming the lawful right of American farmers and equipment owners to repair their farm equipment,” said Rollins. “This is expected to save our farmers thousands in unnecessary repairs, saving much needed funds after Bidenflation drove up equipment costs on average 45%.”

Szabo noted the clarification applies for all farming and nonroad equipment.

“This guidance doesn’t weaken environmental laws or emission standards,” Szabo said. “It doesn’t change the law. It doesn’t reduce compliance obligations. What this does is just let people continue operating and continue trying to live out the American dream.”

The guidance follows a 2025 request from John Deere asking EPA to confirm that temporary emission control overrides are permitted.