National Farmers Union (NFU) has expressed support for recent guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which clarified that the Clean Air Act does not allow equipment manufacturers to block farmers’ access to independent repair services. The EPA’s clarification is seen as a significant development for family farmers and ranchers who have long argued that repair restrictions limit competition and increase 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 sent a letter to EPA Administrator Regan seeking clarification about claims that cited the Clean Air Act as justification for restricting farmers’ ability to repair their own equipment. The agency responded by reaffirming its position, which was made clearer in this week’s 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.”
Larew noted that further action is needed: “Our work here is not done. 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.”
The National Farmers Union represents hundreds of thousands of members through state and regional divisions across the United States with a focus on education, advocacy and community building initiatives since its founding in 1902 (official website). The organization advocates for policies supporting fair farm markets, sustainable agriculture practices and improved economic well-being for family farmers (official website). Rob Larew serves as president of NFU (official website).
