The National Federation of Independent Business announced on Mar. 20 its support for legislation sponsored by Wyoming U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis that seeks to repeal U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines on diesel emissions.
The proposed legislation, known as S3135, aims to address concerns from small businesses and individuals in cold weather states where current EPA rules require engines to shut down if diesel exhaust fluid does not reach certain temperatures. This has raised safety and economic issues for those relying on diesel engines during harsh winters.
Louis Bertolotti, principal for Federal Government Affairs at NFIB, wrote in a letter of support: “Current EPA emissions system rules mandate that engines shut down when diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) does not reach certain operating temperatures. This mandate is intended to reduce emissions. However, DEF freezes at 12 degrees Fahrenheit. In cold weather states like Alaska, where temperatures can fall below 12 degrees for extended periods of time, these rigid rules negatively impact small businesses and consumers. Moreover, an engine shutdown can cause serious harm to farmers or truck drivers who could be left stranded in remote locations in sub-zero temperatures.”
Senator Lummis said upon introducing the bill: “Climate-alarmist bureaucrats in Washington do not understand that the consequences of their radical agenda are hurting real people in western communities. I am proud to join Senator Sullivan in correcting the Obama and Biden administrations’ disastrous policies and ensuring folks don’t get stranded in their ‘EPA-compliant’ vehicles, even during the harshest winter weather. The people of Wyoming should not have to choose between breaking the law or losing their lives.”
NFIB State Director Michael Smith said: “The Washington bureaucrats who crafted the EPA’s guidelines on diesel emissions, have obviously never experienced a winter in Wyoming. On behalf of our members across the state, I thank Sen. Lummis for championing this commonsense reform to eliminate this misguided mandate and provide greater flexibility to hardworking truckers, farmers, and small business owners that rely on diesel fuel to keep our economy thriving.”
Bertolotti concluded his letter by saying: “NFIB supports repealing this burdensome rule which unnecessarily harms diesel engine reliability and increases energy costs for small businesses. We look forward to working with you to advance this bill and help ensure continued American energy dominance.” The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate’s Committee on Environment and Public Works.
