Summary

Directs the EPA to revise Clean Air Act regulations within 180 days to allow diesel manufacturers to use limited cold‑weather exceptions. The revisions would let covered manufacturers temporarily suspend engine derate or shutdown actions triggered by emissions‑control faults when ambient temperature is at or below 0°C, and would allow year‑round exemptions from diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system requirements for vehicles primarily operated north of 59° N latitude or that face prolonged freezing that makes DEF unusable. The Act preserves existing Clean Air Act emissions standards except for those two narrowly defined cold‑weather exceptions; it does not appropriate funds or broadly waive emissions requirements beyond these specified reliefs.

Key Points

• Requires EPA to revise Clean Air Act regulations within 180 days to allow narrow cold‑weather exceptions for diesel vehicles and engines.
• Permits covered manufacturers to temporarily suspend engine derate or shutdown caused by emissions faults when ambient temperature is at or below 0°C, with automatic return to normal operation above 0°C.
• Allows year‑round exemptions from DEF system requirements for vehicles primarily operated north of 59° N latitude or those facing prolonged freezing that makes DEF impractical.
• Exemptions and suspensions apply only to 'covered manufacturers' and 'covered vehicles' as defined in the Act.
• Affirms that all other Clean Air Act emissions standards remain in effect except for these two specified exceptions.
• No new funding is provided; the Act directs regulatory changes rather than creating programs or grants.
• Aims to reduce safety and mobility risks for remote, cold‑region operations but may raise concerns about increased local emissions during exemptions.
• Requires manufacturers to restore normal emissions control operation once temperatures rise above 0°C.
• Establishes latitude (59° N) and operational record tests as criteria for qualifying for DEF exemptions.

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