Schweitzer: EPA guidance on emissions strengthens case for full right to repair

Guidance this week from the EPA that means equipment manufacturers can no longer cite clean air law to block right to repair for farmers and ranchers is a welcome development for right to repair advocates, Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer said.

“Montana Farmers Union and its members appreciate that the current EPA administration has affirmed that farmers have the right to maintain and repair their own emissions, and that the equipment manufacturers are required to give us the tools to do that,” Schweitzer said.

The guidance says the Clean Air Act allows for equipment owners to temporarily disable certain emissions controls for legitimate repairs, meaning farmers and ranchers can save time and money on repairs that previously would have required an authorized technician from an authorized repair location.

Ultimately, this week’s guidance is a step in the right direction to enforcing equipment owners’ right to fully repair their equipment, Schweitzer said. “It just gives one more reason for the FTC to enforce the right to repair for farmers and ranchers.”