Summary
Requires the EPA to let makers of diesel vehicles turn off engine power reduction or shutdown features when it is very cold to keep people safe.
What problem does this solve?
In very cold places, diesel engine emission controls can fail, causing the engine to shut down or lose power, which is dangerous. This bill allows these safety shutdowns to be turned off in freezing weather, ensuring vehicles remain operational and safe.
Who does this affect?
- Diesel vehicle operators in cold climates
- Vehicle and engine manufacturers
- Residents of remote, cold regions
What does this bill do?
Suspends engine shutdowns in freezing temperatures
Requires the EPA to create rules allowing diesel vehicle manufacturers to temporarily turn off automatic engine power reduction or shutdown functions when the temperature is at or below zero degrees Centigrade.
Exempts certain vehicles from diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) rules
Grants a year-round exemption from DEF system requirements for diesel vehicles that operate mostly north of 59 degrees north latitude or in areas where prolonged freezing makes DEF systems impractical.
Restores emissions controls in warmer weather
Mandates that once the temperature rises above zero degrees Centigrade, the engine's normal emission controls and shutdown safety features must be fully restored and operational.
Limits who can suspend the functions
Specifies that only the vehicle or engine manufacturer is authorized to suspend the engine shutdown features, not vehicle owners or other parties.
What is the real world impact?
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Prioritizes human safety in extreme cold
Ensures essential diesel vehicles do not shut down due to emission system faults in life-threatening cold, preventing people from being stranded in dangerous conditions.
When does this start?
The EPA must update its regulations within 180 days after this bill becomes law.
Deadline for cold weather sensor rules
Within 180 days of the bill becoming law, the EPA must revise regulations to allow the suspension of engine shutdown functions in freezing temperatures.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Sec. 4(b)(1)
Header:
Relief to regions with prolonged freezing conditions
Deadline for DEF system exemption rules
Within 180 days of the bill becoming law, the EPA must revise regulations to grant a year-round exemption from DEF requirements for certain vehicles in very cold regions.