Trump Issues Memo to Expand Access to Auto Emissions Repairs

President Donald Trump has issued a memorandum aimed at expanding vehicle owners' access to repair and modify emissions components in their cars and trucks. The directive specifically targets the regulatory framework surrounding automotive emissions systems, which are heavily regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the federal Clean Air Act.

The memorandum seeks to address longstanding disputes between automakers, car owners, and independent repair shops over who can legally conduct certain repairs on vehicles. It directs the EPA to issue guidance within 30 days clarifying what actions vehicle owners can take regarding emissions repairs or modifications without violating federal law.

According to automotive experts, Trump's move is a targeted effort rather than an attempt to establish a broad national right-to-repair policy for all vehicle parts. The memorandum focuses on components used in automotive emissions systems, which are currently subject to strict regulations and lengthy certification processes managed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). CARB is the only organization authorized under federal guidelines to certify aftermarket parts for use in vehicles' emissions systems.

The current certification process can take over a year, creating significant bottlenecks that have led to supply shortages, increased costs, and slowed innovation. This situation has particularly affected small aftermarket parts companies trying to enter the market legally. The bottleneck also limits consumer access to affordable parts, as manufacturers must wait for lengthy certifications before they can sell their products.

Joe Luppino-Esposito, federal policy director of the Pacific Legal Foundation, explained that Trump's memorandum could lead to federal guidance allowing vehicle owners some flexibility in fine-tuning or improving their exhaust systems without violating federal law. This would provide an alternative to working exclusively with dealerships under the current certification process.

Currently, only two states—Massachusetts and Maine—have comprehensive right-to-repair laws for car owners that mandate standardized access to diagnostic tools and data similar to what dealerships have. Five other states—California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, and Oregon—have broader right-to-repair laws but do not extend these rights to motor vehicles.

The memorandum's implications could be significant for both the automotive industry and consumers, potentially reducing barriers to entry for aftermarket parts companies and increasing access to repair services for vehicle owners. However, it remains to be seen how the EPA will interpret and implement this directive in practice.