A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 7 cosponsors
Last activity — Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Diesel Engine Flexibility Act aims to amend the Clean Air Act to ensure regulatory stability for motor vehicles and engines. For a 10-year period, it establishes a "safe harbor" for specific implementation strategies described in certain guidance documents. The bill restricts the Administrator from creating new emission standards more stringent than the 2007, 2010, or Tier 4 standards during this time. If new standards are created after this period, they must include a specific lead time and application duration. Additionally, the Administrator is required to consider various economic and operational factors when developing future standards.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +6
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill benefits owners of diesel vehicles by providing regulatory certainty and reducing compliance costs.
- Scored +5
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill provides regulatory stability and cost mitigation for owners and operators of diesel engines.
- Scored +4
Would farmers be better off under this?
Farmers utilizing nonroad diesel engines benefit from increased regulatory stability and cost predictability.
The opposite· 3 of 4
- Scored -5
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill limits the ability to implement more stringent emissions standards for a 10-year period.
- Scored -5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill creates a moratorium on stricter emissions standards which may delay environmental protection goals.
- Scored -3
Would people in cities be better off under this?
Stricter emissions limits are delayed, which may negatively impact air quality in urban areas.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection against operational disruptions: The bill requires the Administrator to consider the need to reduce unnecessary operational disruptions, shutdowns, and operating restrictions for owners and operators (Section 2, Section 2(2)(C)(i); Section 3, Section 3(2)(C)(i)).
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Preservation of equipment durability: The bill mandates consideration of preserving operating conditions and engine configurations that protect the durability of vehicles, engines, and their aftertreatment components (Section 2, Section 2(2)(C)(ii); Section 3, Section 3(2)(C)(ii)).
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Economic considerations for owners: The Administrator must consider the effects of new standards on resale value, financing expectations, dealer inventories, and equipment availability (Section 2, Section 2(2)(C)(iii); Section 3, Section 3(2)(C)(iii)).
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Cost mitigation: The bill requires the Administrator to consider the costs imposed on owners and operators, including downtime, repair, service, logistics, and equipment replacement costs (Section 2, Section 2(2)(C)(iv); Section 3, Section 3(2)(C)(iv)).
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Regulatory predictability through lead times: After the initial 10-year period, any new or revised standards must take effect no earlier than 5 years after they are promulgated and must apply for at least 3 model years (Section 2, Section 2(2)(B); Section 3, Section 3(2)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restriction on more stringent emissions standards: For a period of 10 years, the Administrator is prohibited from implementing any regulations or standards for motor vehicles and engines that are more stringent than the 2007, 2010, or Tier 4 standards (Section 2, Section 2(2)(A); Section 3, Section 3(2)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill benefits owners of diesel vehicles by providing regulatory certainty and reducing compliance costs. Would farmers be better off under this? — Farmers utilizing nonroad diesel engines benefit from increased regulatory stability and cost predictability. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill provides more stable and predictable regulations for vehicle and engine owners in rural areas. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Stricter emissions limits are delayed, which may negatively impact air quality in urban areas.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill creates a moratorium on stricter emissions standards which may delay environmental protection goals. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill limits the ability to implement more stringent emissions standards for a 10-year period.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill provides regulatory stability and cost mitigation for owners and operators of diesel engines.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill restricts the EPA Administrator's regulatory authority for a 10-year period.
- 7/14/2026
- Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 7/9/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Mike BostRepublican · Illinois
Jack BergmanRepublican · Michigan
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Michelle FischbachRepublican · Minnesota
Brad FinstadRepublican · Minnesota
H. GriffithRepublican · Virginia
Michael RulliRepublican · Ohio