WASHINGTON – National Farmers Union (NFU) welcomed new guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) clarifying that the Clean Air Act (CAA) supports farmers’ right to repair their own equipment and cannot be used by equipment manufacturers to block their access to independent repair.
The EPA’s statement is a step forward for family farmers and ranchers who have long pushed back against repair restrictions that limit competition and drive up costs.
“The EPA’s statement is an encouraging message to farm country. We need the right to repair our own equipment. Manufacturers have used the Clean Air Act to justify deceptive practices, costing farmers time and money,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “The process of clarifying the CAA’s effects on right to repair now spans two administrations, and we thank Administrator Zeldin and Secretary Rollins for putting farmers first.”
In 2023, NFU wrote EPA Administrator Regan, raising concerns and seeking clarification about misleading claims that were circulating, invoking the CAA as justification for limiting farmers’ right to repair their farm equipment. The agency responded in 2023, reaffirming much of what was formally announced this week, now with clearer public guidance.
“EPA is proud to set the record straight and protect farmers. For far too long, manufacturers have wrongly used the Clean Air Act to monopolize the repair markets, hurting our farmers,” said Administrator Lee Zeldin in an EPA statement. “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.”
“Our work here is not done,” added Larew. “This guidance does not guarantee a farmer’s right to repair. We need durable solutions that guarantee repair access on fair and reasonable terms so that independent repair is fully available, affordable, and accessible, and manufacturers who prevent independent repair are held accountable.”
