Iowa Passes Bill Allowing Farmers to Disable Diesel Exhaust Systems

New state law gives farmers more control over repairing farm equipment

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Iowa House has passed a bill that will allow farmers to repair and even permanently disable the diesel exhaust fluid systems on their tractors, combines, and other farm equipment. The bill requires manufacturers to provide free information, software, tools, and replacement parts needed for these repairs at reduced prices.

Why it matters

This legislation is seen as a win for farmers who have long complained about restrictions placed on repairing their own equipment by manufacturers. It aligns with the Trump administration's recent interpretation of the Clean Air Act, which permits disabling exhaust systems for repairs.

The details

The bill, introduced by Republican Rep. Derek Wulf, a farmer from Hudson, Iowa, would require farm equipment manufacturers to provide free access to the information, software, tools, and replacement parts needed to diagnose and repair the diesel exhaust fluid systems on tractors, combines, and other equipment. Manufacturers would also have to sell these items at reduced prices to make repairs more affordable for farmers.

  • The Iowa House passed the bill on Monday night.
  • The Trump administration recently announced its interpretation of the Clean Air Act to allow disabling of exhaust systems for repairs.

The players

Derek Wulf

A Republican state representative from Hudson, Iowa, and a farmer who introduced the bill.

Trump administration

The federal government under former President Trump, which recently issued an interpretation of the Clean Air Act to permit disabling of exhaust systems for repairs on farm equipment.

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What they’re saying

“The language could be interpreted to mean the systems could be permanently disabled or removed.”

— Derek Wulf, Republican State Representative (Radio Iowa)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Iowa Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation gives Iowa farmers more control over repairing their own equipment, aligning with the Trump administration's stance on the issue. It's seen as a win for the farming community, which has long pushed for greater repair rights.