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EPA proposes rule changes for heavy-duty trucks, seeks to remove DERATE shutdowns and ease warranty mandate
Summary
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced proposed amendments to 2027 heavy-duty truck and engine standards at the Great American State Fair, proposing to remove forced DEF-related derates, scale back a warranty requirement, and open a 45-day public comment period. Industry leaders on the stage praised the agency's engagement.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin announced proposed amendments to the heavy-duty truck and engine standards for model year 2027 on the National Mall, saying the changes will keep most air-quality gains while reducing costs for truck buyers. "Our proposals estimated to save American truckers $12,000,000,000 — up to $6,000 per vehicle on a new truck," Zeldin said on stage at the Great American State Fair.
Zeldin described three headline elements of the proposal: scaling back a warranty requirement he described as a major cost driver, adding more lead time for longer useful-life requirements, and eliminating DEF-related engine derates for newly built highway and off-road engines. He said the plan preserves "nearly 90% of the reductions in nitrogen oxide" while offering manufacturers and fleets more time to validate new technology.
Explaining the safety problem that motivated the derate change, Zeldin said diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system failures can cause a truck to "slow down or stop running altogether," potentially stranding drivers. "Instead of your truck or tractor alert you to halt when the DEF system fails, you get a warning, a light, or a sound telling you something needs attention," he said, adding that the change would allow drivers to safely pull over rather than be forced to stop on highways or in fields.
Zeldin also cited past agency steps: issuing guidance on derates last August, requesting warranty data from 14 manufacturers, and issuing guidance in March that he said authorized removal of faulty DEF systems in some cases. He said EPA has received the requested warranty data and is seeking public input on the new proposal, opening a 45-day public comment period and scheduling a public hearing.
Industry leaders on the panel at the event broadly welcomed the engagement. John O'Leary, president and CEO of Daimler Truck North America, said the industry values being consulted: "For us, we don't expect to dictate regulations, but we definitely have opinions and we represent vast constituencies and we just want to be heard." Jennifer Rumsey, chair and CEO of Cummins, praised the flexibility the proposal offers customers and described the warranty change as a way to increase choice. Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, framed the derate discussion as a safety issue: "It's about safety, candidly," he said, noting drivers in remote or harsh-weather conditions.
Aaron Szabo, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, urged stakeholders to submit comments and told attendees where to find the proposal online: "Check federalregister.gov, regulations.gov, or just go to epa.gov," he said. The agency said it will consider public input before finalizing the rule.
Next steps: EPA will accept public comments during the 45-day window and hold a public hearing before completing the rulemaking process. The agency and industry participants said they will continue engagement as manufacturers and fleet operators test and deploy technologies under the proposed timeline.
