Full Breakdown
Trump Issues Memo to Expand Vehicle Repair Freedom
6/30/2026, 4:40:08 AM
Immediate Action: Memo Details
On June 29, 2026, President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum directing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to issue guidance on the repair of vehicle emissions systems. The memo instructs EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to clarify, within 30 days, which actions individuals may take to repair or modify emissions-related components and to deprioritize civil enforcement against those who “in good faith” restore a vehicle to its original configuration. It also calls for expanding certification options for aftermarket parts beyond the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which the administration describes as “backlogged and faulty.”
Background: Right-to-Repair and CARB Certification
The directive follows a broader “right-to-repair” push that began with a February 2026 memorandum allowing farmers to service their own equipment. CARB currently holds the sole federal-recognised certification process for aftermarket auto parts, a procedure that can exceed one year, creating regulatory uncertainty for independent shops and consumers. Critics argue that CARB’s role centralises compliance decisions in California, influencing nationwide repair markets.
Key Stakeholders
- Donald Trump – President, author of the memorandum.
- Lee Zeldin – EPA Administrator, tasked with implementing the guidance.
- California Air Resources Board (CARB) – Existing exclusive certifier for aftermarket parts.
- Alliance for Automotive Innovation – Industry group supporting the memo, noting that 75 % of post-warranty repairs occur at independent shops.
- Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) – Represents aftermarket parts producers; praised the initiative.
- U.S. Public Interest Research Groups (U.S. PIRG) – Right-to-repair coalition; expressed cautious approval.
- National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) – Auto dealers’ group opposing the measure.
Data & Statistics
- Independent repair shops perform roughly three-quarters of post-warranty vehicle repairs, according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.
- CARB’s certification process for aftermarket parts can take “over a year,” per administration officials.
- The memorandum requires EPA guidance within 30 days (or one month, per some reports).
Official Statements & Responses
President Trump framed the memo as a cost-saving measure, emphasizing that it restores “common-sense” rights for vehicle owners. Administrator Zeldin said the EPA will not prioritize civil enforcement against individuals fixing their own cars, contrasting the approach with “past administrations.” The Alliance highlighted reliance on independent shops for most repairs, while SEMA described the action as providing needed certainty for the aftermarket industry. U.S. PIRG acknowledged the administration’s support but noted the memo does not fully address broader right-to-repair concerns such as access to software and diagnostic data. NADA warned that expanding aftermarket certification could enable “knockoffs” and increase insurers’ influence over repair decisions.
Criticism & Opposition
The dealers’ association argued that the policy could facilitate reverse-engineering of parts, leading to low-quality knockoffs, and expressed concern that it might shift more decision-making power to insurers, potentially affecting consumer protections.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the memo’s scope: some describe it as a broad “right-to-repair” measure for all vehicle components, while others limit it to emissions-related parts under the Clean Air Act. The legal status is also inconsistent; certain outlets label the document a presidential memorandum without the force of law, whereas others treat it as an executive directive. Guidance timelines vary between “30 days” and “within a month,” reflecting reporting discrepancies.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think it’s very important; going to lower the price of your car, and it’s going to lower the price of fixing your car.” — Donald Trump, President
- “We are not going to be going after people who are fixing their own vehicle like past Administrations have,” — Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
- “The only third-party certification for these aftermarket parts is [California Air Resources Board] in California, a process that’s backlogged and faulty,” — Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator
- “ “It’s right to fix and I think it’s really common sense.” — Donald Trump, President
- “not exactly addressing the main concerns that we and others have expressed about what makes car repair difficult and expensive, but we appreciate that the administration is supportive of the broader goals.” — Nathan Proctor, U.S. PIRG
- “bold action in support of vehicle owners and automotive aftermarket industry businesses” — Mike Spagnola, CEO, SEMA
What’s Next
EPA Administrator Zeldin is expected to publish the required guidance by early August 2026. Industry groups anticipate further rulemaking on certification alternatives, while NADA has signaled intent to pursue legal challenges. Right-to-repair advocates plan to lobby for broader legislation covering software and diagnostic-data access.
