EPA Guidance to Manufacturers Clarifies Clean Air Act Supports Right To Repair

EPA Clarifies Clean Air Act Supports Right to Repair for Farmers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new guidance to manufacturers clarifying that the Clean Air Act (CAA) supports Americans’ ability to make repairs on their own equipment. The guidance reinforces that federal air quality law cannot be used to restrict access to tools, software, or diagnostic information needed to fix equipment.

According to the EPA, the guidance also “makes clear manufacturers can no longer use the CAA to justify limiting access to repair tools or software. For America’s farmers, timely and affordable repairs are essential to planting, harvesting, and keeping operations running.” The clarification is being welcomed by agricultural producers who have long raised concerns about repair delays and high costs tied to restricted access.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the agency’s action corrects years of misinterpretation that harmed farmers. “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. 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.”

The guidance is particularly significant for farmers who depend on complex, technology-driven equipment during critical planting and harvesting windows. Limited access to repair tools or software can lead to costly downtime, lost productivity, and expensive dealer-only repairs.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins also praised the move, emphasizing the financial relief it could provide producers. “This is another win for American farmers and ranchers by the Trump Administration. By clarifying manufacturers can no longer use the Clean Air Act to justify limiting access to repair tools or software, we are reaffirming the lawful right of American farmers and equipment owners to repair their farm equipment. Thank you, Administrator Zeldin, for continuing to put farmers first. This is expected to save our farmers thousands in unnecessary repairs, saving much needed funds after Bidenflation drove up equipment costs on average 45%.”

Agricultural groups say the EPA’s guidance strengthens the broader right-to-repair movement and provides regulatory clarity that protects farmers’ independence. By affirming that environmental law does not override repair rights, the agency says it is helping ensure farmers can maintain their equipment efficiently while continuing to meet environmental standards.

Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.