EPA Announces Landmark Decision on Right to Repair for Farm Equipment

A Win for American Farmers: EPA Advances Lawful Right to Repair

On February 2, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a significant announcement that will have far-reaching implications for American farmers and equipment owners. The agency took a major step forward in promoting the nation's right-to-repair movement by advancing the lawful right of farmers and equipment owners to repair their farm and other non-road diesel equipment.

The Right-to-Retail Refurbishment Act

In 2019, the EPA finalized the Right-to-Re Retail Refurbishme rule under Section 1031(d) of the Federal Hazardous Substances Control Act (HSCA). This rule aimed to give consumers and businesses a greater ability to repair and refurbish products rather than discarding them.

Key Provisions of the Rule

The rule, which was already in effect as of January 2019, established that certain hazardous waste generation standards apply only to retail refurbishment or resale activities. This means that farmers and equipment owners can now lawfully repair their diesel equipment without having to obtain new permits or licenses.

Impact on American Farmers

For many years, American farmers have faced significant challenges when it comes to repairing and maintaining their farm equipment. With the increasing complexity of modern engines and electronics, DIY repairs have become increasingly difficult, often resulting in costly visits to dealerships or repair shops that charge exorbitant fees.

The EPA's announcement is expected to have a major impact on this issue. By advancing the lawful right-to-repair movement, the agency is providing American farmers with greater flexibility and control over their equipment. This should lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved productivity on farms and ranches across the country.

Benefits of Right-to-Restore

The right-to-restore movement has been championed by many organizations, including farmers' unions and consumer advocacy groups. These groups have long argued that consumers and businesses should be able to repair and refurbish products rather than discarding them.

The benefits of this approach are clear:

• Reducing waste: By allowing farmers and equipment owners to repair and refurbish their equipment, we can reduce the amount of waste generated by discarded machines.
• Saving money: Repairing and refurbishing equipment is often significantly cheaper than buying new. This can be a major cost savings for farmers who own multiple tractors or other heavy equipment.
• Increasing efficiency: With greater control over their equipment, farmers can quickly fix problems and get back to work, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Next Steps

The EPA's announcement is just the beginning of this important movement. As the agency continues to promote the right-to-repair movement, we can expect to see even more progress in the coming months and years.

• State-level action: Some states have already taken steps to advance their own right-to-repair laws. We can expect to see further activity at the state level as these efforts gain momentum.
• Legislative action: The House of Representatives has passed several bills aimed at advancing the right-to-repair movement, including the Right-to-Re Retail Refurbishme Act. These bills are now pending in the Senate.

Conclusion

The EPA's announcement is a major victory for American farmers and equipment owners. By advancing the lawful right to repair their farm and other non-road diesel equipment, the agency has taken a significant step forward in promoting this important movement. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how this effort continues to shape policy and promote greater flexibility and control over our equipment.