STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2025) – State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) applauded a recent announcement from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin to fix an issue with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) after concerns were raised in her district.
"After a small business in my district experienced a dangerous DEF system-related incident on the highway, I knew something needed to change. I'm grateful to the EPA and Trump Administration for taking time to listen to our concerns and work toward a common-sense solution," Davis said. "This update will make our highways safer and help small businesses and farmers continue to work and provide quality service to their customers."
The EPA recently announced a new action to protect American farmers, truckers and other diesel equipment operators from sudden speed and power losses caused by DEF systems.
According to their announcement, starting with models in 2027, the EPA will require all new diesel on-road trucks be engineered to avoid sudden and severe power loss after running out of DEF. To fix the problem for vehicles already in use, the EPA’s new guidance, developed in collaboration with manufacturers, will work to ensure that the necessary software changes can be made on the existing fleet.
Davis said that when DEF runs out or a system sensor fails, current systems can force a vehicle to drastically reduce speed or become inoperable. This can be dangerous to drivers and others on the interstate and can reduce speeds to as little as five miles per hour.
To learn more about the recent guidance, click here.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
