Administrator Zeldin Takes Additional Measures to Address Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Issues for American Farmers and Truckers
February 3, 2026
Contact Information
EPA Press Office ([email protected])
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin took another step to further the Trump EPA’s work to address widespread concerns from farmers, truckers, motor coach operators, and other diesel equipment operators regarding Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures. As a follow up to new guidance in August 2025 reversing deratements that were harming farmers and truckers, EPA is pursuing rulemaking opportunities to provide further relief for Americans. To strengthen the agency’s ongoing efforts, EPA is demanding information from major diesel engine manufacturers on critical data from DEF system failures. The data collected will allow EPA to independently evaluate ongoing system failures and help inform next steps the agency takes in 2026 pertaining to DEF.
“As I traveled to all 50 states during my first year as EPA Administrator, I heard from truck drivers, farmers, and many others rightly complaining about DEF and pleading for a fix. EPA understands this is a massive issue, which is why we have already established commonsense guidance for manufacturers to update DEF systems,” said EPA Administrator Zeldin. “Today, we are furthering that work and demanding detailed data to hold manufacturers accountable for the continued system failures. The Trump EPA is committed to ending unnecessary frustrations and days lost on the road and in the field for American farmers and truckers.”
The issue facing farmers, truck drivers, and equipment operators remains clear to the agency. Sudden speed losses and shutdowns caused by DEF system failures compromise safety and productivity. The Trump EPA’s guidance, which significantly reversed deratements, called on manufacturers to revise DEF system software in existing fleets to prevent these sudden shutdowns and give operators more time to repair faults. EPA recognizes that to improve systems, the product designs and materials for these systems must also be the highest quality possible. With today’s action, EPA is taking another step to address any potential insufficiencies with system parts to better advance future rulemaking and reduce system failures.
Under Section 208(a) of the Clean Air Act, EPA is authorized to require manufacturers to provide information needed to assess whether emission control systems are functioning properly and whether manufacturers are meeting their obligations to identify and fix defects. EPA is demanding information from the top 14 on-road and nonroad manufacturers that account for over 80 percent of all products used in DEF systems. Specifically, EPA is requiring data on warranty claims, failure rates, and repair information for Model Years (MY) 2016, 2019 and 2023 emission control products to determine whether ongoing DEF system failures are related to a specific generation of products. Manufacturers will have 30 days to provide the requested information; failure may result in additional inquiries or penalties.
The agency is committed to working with manufacturers to ensure practical, durable solutions that simultaneously support emissions reductions and reliable operations. EPA has been meeting with manufacturers to receive updates on their progress in developing improved software in response to EPA’s guidance. The agency has consistently encouraged manufacturers to provide the relief as quickly as possible.
EPA is actively working on its proposal for the reconsideration of the 2022 Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle NOx rule. It is being thoroughly assessed whether derates may no longer be necessary for compliance. EPA is committed to keeping the protection of air quality and human health at the forefront of every action the agency takes.
Background
Since 2010, most on-road diesel trucks and many types of nonroad equipment (such as tractors and construction machinery) have used selective catalytic reduction systems that inject DEF into exhaust streams to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
Prior to EPA’s August guidance, when DEF ran out or there was an unexpected mechanical failure, systems forced a vehicle to drastically reduce speed or become inoperable. In many cases, vehicles were limited to as little as five miles per hour within hours of a DEF-related fault. This caused needless frustration, operational delays, and real economic hardship for operators. Under the Trump EPA’s August guidance, major changes were undertaken. Heavy-duty trucks now should only receive a warning light for 650 miles or 10 hours after a fault is detected. Following that time, the engine will only mildly derate, allowing trucks to operate normally and without speed limits for up to 4,200 miles or two work weeks. Only after about four work weeks does speed drop to 25 mph until repairs are made. Nonroad equipment has no impacts for the first 36 hours before a slight torque reduction then takes effect.
In addition to EPA’s August 2025 guidance, EPA stated that starting with MY 2027, all new diesel on-road trucks must be engineered to avoid sudden and severe power loss after running out of DEF.
Yesterday, EPA issued guidance to manufacturers, making it abundantly clear that under the Clean Air Act, Americans have the right to repair their farm and other nonroad diesel equipment. This guidance will allow farmers to fix broken DEF systems at home or in the fields, saving them time and money, while the agency continues its work on DEF.
A delegation from a Nebraska agri-business group recently traveled to Washington D.C., meeting with federal representatives, including U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts, to provide crucial updates on the state’s agriculture sector.
The meetings aimed to ensure Nebraska’s agricultural voice is heard in the nation’s capital, advocating for policies that support the economic viability of the state’s farmers, ranchers, and the businesses that serve them.
]]>On behalf of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association (NeABA), thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed increase in the commercial animal feed tonnage fee in Nebraska.
NeABA represents agricultural retailers, applicators, distributors, and manufacturers of agricultural input products that supply and support Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. Our members recognize the importance of the commercial feed inspection program and the need for a reliable funding source to maintain its integrity.
That said, we are concerned about the size of the proposed increase from 6.5 cents to 15 cents per ton. More than doubling the fee in one year will create a significant burden for the businesses that supply feed and related products across the state. We encourage the Department to consider a more gradual increase that gives the industry time to adapt.
We also believe the Department should continue to seek greater efficiencies within its programs to help offset rising human resource and operating costs. The agricultural industry is under pressure from many directions, and it is important that costs are not concentrated on fewer companies in a way that creates long-term inequities.
Thank you for considering our concerns. We look forward to working with you to ensure the program remains both effective and fair for Nebraska agriculture.
Scott Merritt
President
]]>Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OPP-2024-0154
The Honorable Lee Zeldin, Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20460
Dear Administrator Zeldin,
On behalf of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association (NeABA), a trade organization representing agricultural
retailers, distributors, and manufacturers of crop input products, I submit the following comments regarding
EPA’s proposed registration of over-the-top (OTT) dicamba uses on dicamba-tolerant soybeans and cotton.
Our member companies sell and apply crop protection products to Nebraska farmers and ranchers, who face
increasingly challenging, resistant weeds. Agriculture is Nebraska’s largest industry and a cornerstone of our
state’s economy. Effective weed management remains a top challenge to maintaining crop yields, and producers
need access to a diverse set of chemistries to sustain both productivity and long-term sustainability.
For these reasons, we strongly urge EPA to approve the OTT dicamba products under review. Dicamba is an
essential tool in managing resistant broadleaf weeds, and without it, farmers will face significant yield losses and
limited alternatives.
NeABA supports the label mitigations outlined in the proposed registration. We believe these measures strike an
appropriate balance between effective weed control and responsible stewardship. We are committed to working
with our state partners to support the applicator community with education and training, ensuring safe and
effective applications.
We encourage EPA to move forward with the registration of OTT dicamba products under the proposed label and
mitigation framework. Doing so will provide farmers with certainty, protect crop yields, support herbicide
resistance management, and promote responsible stewardship of these critical tools.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or
need additional information.
Sincerely,
Scott Merritt
President
Nebraska Agri-Business Association
Runner Ups: Paul Horner and Nate Ibach – Trotter Fertilizer
Champions: Hunter Will and Joshua Bartell – Nutrien Ag Solutions
Our champs won medals, trophies, and $100 Visa Gift Cards, not to mention bragging rights! The Runner Ups gained $50 Visa gift cards.
Congratulations to our tournament winners!
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- Nathan Stevenson, Trotter Fertilizer, Pleasanton won a $200 Gift Card to Cabela’s
- Grady Kowalski, Rusty’s Fertilizer, Loomis also won a $200 Gift Card to Cabela’s
- Lincoln Ward, Continental NH3, Dallas, TX won the Cornhole Game Boards
- Scott Bitterman, George Bros Fertilizer & Propane, Sutton won the Chainsaw
- Dean Smith, Macrosource, Pleasanton, won the Grease Gun
- Nate Ibach, Trotter Fertilizer, Spalding won the TV and Soundbar
Don’t miss the raffle at next year’s Exposition! Mark your calendars for January 26-28, 2026 in Kearney, Nebraska!
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The 67th Nebraska Agri-Business Exposition was held January 28-29, 2025 in Kearney, Nebraska at the Younes Conference Center North. This day and a half event consisted of educational training in conjunction with the Nebraska Extension’s Crop Production Clinics and a show of vendor exhibits.
The Nebraska Agri-Business Association (NeABA) honored industry leaders at its annual convention in Kearney on Monday, January 27. Chris Proctor, Extension Educator with the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s Department of Agronomy was awarded the 2024 Association Industry Partner Award. This award highlights individuals outside the association’s membership, who have contributed to agriculture in a significant way through their profession. Chris has worked in extension since 2015. He’s coordinated several meetings for farmers and ag industry professionals on topics relevant to cropping systems. His research program focuses on discovering and utilizing a diverse set of tools and strategies for effective weed management. In 2022, Chris worked with our board and association to bring his popular Crop Production Clinic to our Expo, allowing our members to get the latest updates and earn re-certification credits all in one place. It has been popular with our attendees and enhanced our trade show.
Dan Stork was recognized with the “Award of Industry Distinction.” This special honor is not given annually and is reserved for individuals who have been dedicated to the mission of the Association during his lifetime. Dan grew up on a family farm near Arlington, NE, where he grew corn, soybeans, alfalfa, beef and dairy cattle, and chickens. After graduating from the University of Nebraska with an Ag Economics degree, Dan began working for Diamond Shamrock followed by Ciba Geigy, which became Syngenta. Dan was elected to the Association’s board of directors and served as Chairman. He has generously given his time serving on multiple committees over the years. Dan has also made multiple trips to Washington, visiting with our federal delegation and agencies about how regulations and legislation will impact our members and their customers back in Nebraska. Most importantly, Dan values teaching the next generation the importance of a strong association and has worked tirelessly to bring new employees to events and encourage their involvement.
These awards were presented by Michael Killinger, Chairman of the Association and a Broken Bow, Nebraska resident. Michael is a sales representative for Syngenta Crop Protection.
Presented by Jess Trotter, Vice President of the Association Board of Directors, was the “Robert L. Anderson Industry Person of the Year” award. This award honors a member of the Nebraska Agri-Business Association for their exemplary service to the industry. The recipient is Rob Clevenger of Clevenger Farm Products in Gibbon, Nebraska. After graduating from Kearney State College in 1975, Rob joined a partnership and farmed for 9 seasons. Rob left the partnership and bought an oil company in Kearney, Clevenger Petroleum, with his wife Vicki. They sold Ag Chemicals full-time in Gibbon and in 1994, added Custom Application to their business. In 2012, their son Colby came back into the family business, and in 2022, their son-in-law, Mitch Mentzer joined. Clevenger’s family business has grown to meet the needs of their customers.
Rob has been a member of the Association for over 40 years and earned the Certified Crop Advisor certification.
The “Applicator of the Year” award was presented to Joe Barry of Farmer’s Pride in Battle Creek, Nebraska. This award was established to recognize a commercial applicator providing outstanding service, good stewardship in their community and exceptional leadership through mentoring or training.
Joe has been a custom applicator with Farmers Pride for almost 25 years. He covers over 40,000 acres per year. Producers specifically ask for Joe when booking their crop application, knowing and trusting him to handle the field as if it were his own.
Joe’s dedication to Farmers Pride and his hard work is admired by his peers, cooperative leaders, and board members. He is a trusted mentor who teaches and trains new applicators on the do’s and don’ts of the job.
Joe takes the time to ensure new applicators are comfortable in the role by riding with them as they progress through more challenging jobs.
Joe’s professionalism and leadership in decision-making, best practices, and safety has resulted in less than 1,000 acres of crop damage claims over his years of service.
Joe has been injury-free throughout his entire coop career and has not had any other work-related accidents. Joe’s positive personality permeates all those who work with him.
Joe is also involved in the Battle Creek community. He is a former Battle Creek City Council Member who served multiple terms. Joe has spent years coaching youth football, basketball, and baseball. As a Battle Creek High School graduate, he is a strong supporter of all things athletic at the school and has a positive influence on the youth, coaches, and community.
Each year, the Nebraska Certified Crop Adviser Program honors an outstanding member of the program.
This year’s recipient is Charles Starostka. He has exemplified the program’s values and professional standards. Charles is a graduate of the Nebraska Lead Program, an original graduate of the Nebraska Certified Crop Protection Program, and continued as a Certified Crop Adviser, maintaining the certification until recently attaining retired status.
Charles has served in leadership roles for several organizations, including The Nebraska Agri-Business Association and the CCA Board. Charles has been on numerous committees in addition to being elected as finance chairman, vice chairman, and chairman.
Charles’ passion for the ag-retail industry was evident through his efforts on legislative issues. On behalf of the Association, he regularly attended hearings, briefing sessions, and meetings in Lincoln and Washington, D.C.
While serving as CCA President, Charles initiated the program allowing UNL agronomy students to sit for the Certified Crop Advisor Exam their senior year. The initiative has been successful in introducing the certification program to a new generation of ag-professionals.
Charles has always been generous with his time and resources. Through his many efforts, he has demonstrated his passion for education, agronomy, and the Certified Crop Advisor Program.
Congratulations, Charles on the Dr. Ray Starostka Award of Excellence.
Six years ago, the Nebraska Certified Crop Adviser (NeCCA) program began honoring those Certified Crop Advisers with longevity in the program with specially designed lapel pins. This year was no different with twenty-five Nebraska CCAs becoming 25-year veterans in the program. They are Bryan Abner, Gregory Bonifas, Daniel Davidson, Sean Gross, Mark Grundmayer, Jon Ivey, Bradley Jareske, Vaughn Kinney, Jason Kock, Steven Kramer, Jason Krebs, Lorin Krieger, Timothy Masek, John McKenzie, John McNamara, Roger Olson, Clark Poppert, Aaron Schmid, Charles Schurman, Brian Springer, Daniel Steiner, Gregg Sweley, Marcus Towle, Kevin Wemhoff, and Troy Westadt.
The Nebraska Agri-Business Association represents ag retailers, major manufacturers and distributors of fertilizer, crop protection, seed, equipment and other ag inputs. Nebraska Agri-Business Association provides unified leadership and influence creating tangible economic and educational value for Nebraska’s crop production industry professionals.
The Nebraska Agri-Business Association is a trade association representing agricultural retailers, applicators, distributors and manufacturers of agriculture input products, supplying and servicing Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers. Our members produce, sell and provide custom application of fertilizer and crop protection chemicals.
]]>The objectives of the Ag 40 Group are:
- To grow NU’s commitment to agriculture with the right strategic investments and priorities that are more aligned to agriculture’s contribution to the state’s economy.
- To strengthen both the University’s financial commitment to IANR and the public’s support for the Institute.
- To increase the agriculture and natural resource industry’s communication and interaction with the Board of Regents and the President.
The results of AG 40 Group’s recent work with the University of Nebraska is available in the document below:
Click Here to Read the Documentation
To read the full comments submitted click here.
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