Representative Mike Collins Introduces the Diesel Truck Liberation Act

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) introduced the Diesel Truck Liberation Act, legislation that will stop the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from criminalizing family farmers and truckers through federal emission mandates that do little to help the environment while driving up costs for Americans.

Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Cynthia Lummis R-Wyo. Rep. Mike Collins is joined by House cosponsors Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01), Rep. Dave Taylor (OH-02), Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY-AL), Rep. Mike Ezell (MS-04), and Rep. Tony Wied (WI-08).

"American truckers and farmers are the backbone of this nation, but the EPA has treated them like criminals for maintaining their own equipment," said Rep. Mike Collins. "The Diesel Truck Liberation Act codifies the work of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to free farmers and truckers from the radical federal emissions mandates of past Administrations and end the bureaucrats' war on the working class. I am proud that we have an administration focused on delivering for the working class and putting common sense first."

"No bureaucrat in Washington should have the power to make you a criminal without Congress ever casting a vote. That is not how this country works. Democrats weaponized the EPA to squeeze rural America, and the costs have been staggering," said Senator Lummis, Senate lead for the Diesel Truck Liberation Act. "The Obama and Biden DEF mandates drove up diesel expenses, hurt fuel efficiency, and piled crushing compliance costs onto farmers, truckers, and small business owners who had no say in the matter. I'm pleased to be working with Rep. Collins on this important issue."

"Since 2007, increasingly burdensome EPA regulations have ratcheted up, making heavy-duty diesel engines more expensive to repair and less fuel-efficient. These regulations have led to system failures in trucks and forced unplanned, out-of-service periods, often creating dangerous and costly situations for operators, owners, and other motorists." said Rep. Dave Taylor. "These ridiculous government mandates, created by Democratic Administrations, were designed to force the adoption of electric heavy-duty vehicles and should have never been enacted in the first place. I am proud to join Rep. Collins to free small business owners, manufacturers, and mechanics from out-of-touch regulations and protect the safety of everyone who depends on these vehicles to keep America moving forward."

"Farmers, truckers, and equipment operators are still dealing with frustrating Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system failures, which can slow or even shut down vehicles and equipment," said Rep. Harriet Hageman. "Far-left regulations on diesel operators are leaving rural residents stranded. No one should find themselves stranded in 100-degree heat because of bad decisions made in Washington, D.C."

"I'm proud to cosponsor this bill to rein in federal overreach and protect the rights of hardworking Americans." said Rep. Mike Ezell. "Washington shouldn't be punishing people for improving their vehicles or standing in the way of innovation. This legislation restores common sense, supports small businesses, and puts freedom and opportunity first."

"The Biden Administration spent years strangling hardworking Americans with burdensome regulations that drive up costs and limit choice, all while doing little to meaningfully improve everyday life," said Rep. Barry Moore. "Rep. Mike Collins' Diesel Truck Liberation Act puts power back where it belongs - in the hands of the American people, not unelected bureaucrats at the EPA. Folks in Alabama and across this country rely on their trucks to make a living, and they shouldn't be treated like criminals for maintaining or improving their own equipment. I'm proud to support this bill to roll back federal overreach, restore common sense, and stand up for the men and women who keep America moving."

Background

Federal agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have piled emission mandates onto diesel trucks and equipment in the name of environmental stewardship. However, these mandates have done little to improve the environment while saddling American workers with ridiculous costs to repair and update vehicles. Truckers and farmers who cannot afford such updates are forced to sideline their vehicles, leave the business altogether, face penalties, or even go to jail.

The Diesel Truck Liberation Act is common sense legislation that looks out for the American worker by:

• Stopping federal agencies from requiring manufacturers to install or maintain emissions control devices or onboard diagnostic systems.
• Removes the EPA's authority to enforce Clean Air Act requirements related to vehicle emission controls.
• Protects individuals sued or prosecuted under federal law for tampering or improving emissions equipment.
• Codifies the work of Representative Mike Collins and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to ensure that no matter who is in the White House, truckers' and farmers' livelihoods are protected.