HR6250-119

What This Bill Does

This bill requires the EPA to allow diesel vehicle manufacturers to temporarily disable emissions-related engine shutdowns and power reductions when temperatures drop to freezing or below. It addresses the concern that automatic engine restrictions triggered by emissions control malfunctions can create dangerous situations in extreme cold, especially in remote areas where diesel vehicles are essential for transportation and emergency services.

Who Benefits and How

Diesel vehicle manufacturers benefit by gaining authorization to program their vehicles to suspend engine restrictions during cold weather without facing regulatory penalties. Operators of diesel trucks and equipment in cold regions (such as trucking companies, emergency services, and workers in northern areas) benefit by having reliable vehicle operation when temperatures drop below freezing. Vehicles operating primarily north of 59 degrees latitude can receive year-round exemptions from diesel exhaust fluid system requirements entirely.

Who Bears the Burden and How

The Environmental Protection Agency must revise its regulations within 180 days to create these cold-weather exemptions and establish the documentation requirements for year-round exemptions. This creates administrative work to update Clean Air Act regulations. Environmental interests may consider this a burden since it permits temporarily higher emissions during cold weather conditions.

Key Provisions

• Manufacturers can suspend engine derate/shutdown functions when temperatures are at or below 0 degrees Celsius (32F)
• Normal emissions controls must resume once temperatures rise above freezing
• Year-round exemption from diesel exhaust fluid requirements for vehicles operating primarily north of 59 degrees north latitude
• Exemptions also available where prolonged cold makes diesel exhaust fluid systems impractical
• Does not waive actual emissions standards; only suspends enforcement mechanisms during specified conditions