Bill > S3135

This bill addresses diesel vehicle reliability in extremely cold regions by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to modify existing emissions regulations to allow vehicle manufacturers to temporarily suspend certain engine derate or shutdown functions when temperatures are at or below zero degrees Celsius. Specifically, the bill recognizes that in rural, cold areas, emissions control systems can create dangerous situations by causing vehicles to lose power or stop functioning entirely during extreme cold. The legislation would permit manufacturers to temporarily disable engine performance limitations related to emissions systems during these low-temperature conditions, ensuring critical transportation and emergency services can continue to operate. The bill applies to on-highway diesel vehicles and non-road diesel equipment, particularly those operating in regions north of 59 degrees north latitude or in areas with prolonged freezing temperatures. Manufacturers would be allowed to suspend these limitations only when absolutely necessary for safety and operational continuity, and the normal emissions control systems must be reinstated once temperatures rise above zero degrees Celsius. Importantly, the bill does not permanently waive emissions standards but provides a narrow, temperature-specific exception to prevent potential life-threatening risks associated with vehicle immobilization in harsh winter conditions.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3135/all-info