Deevers bill to lessen regulations on diesel engines

OKLAHOMA CITY — State Sen. Dusty Deevers will introduce a bill in the 2025 session that he said will protect the rights of Oklahomans to own, operate and manufacture diesel engines from burdensome EPA regulations, specifically those requiring Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) systems.

“Our farmers, truckers, and businesses rely on diesel engines every day to power their work and their dreams,” said Deevers, R-Elgin. “An owner of a trucking company in Oklahoma City told me that this bill, if passed, would save his business $30,000 per month, $3.6 million per year. That is the difference between thriving and shutting down.”

Deevers said Senate Bill 457, the Diesel Engine Freedom Act, supports Oklahoma’s core industries, including agriculture, transportation and energy, while promoting economic independence and state sovereignty. Key Provisions include:

• Protects Oklahomans’ rights: Prevents state and local enforcement of unconstitutional and burdensome federal DEF mandates, allowing individuals and businesses to use reliable, cost-effective diesel engines.

• DEF-free engine innovation: Enables Oklahoma manufacturers to produce DEF-free engines without federal interference, supporting job creation and economic growth.

• Provides legal and financial protections: Shields businesses penalized under federal environmental regulations, ensuring they are not unfairly burdened.

• Boosts industry reliability: Reduces downtime and repair costs associated with DEF system failures, benefiting farmers, truckers and energy producers.

• Strengthens state sovereignty: Asserts Oklahoma’s independence from federal overreach, preserving the state’s ability to regulate its industries.

“DEF systems not only add unnecessary complexity and expense to diesel engines but also cause frequent failures in extreme weather and heavy-duty conditions, leading to costly repairs, downtime, and decreased reliability for hardworking Oklahomans,” Deevers said.