WyFB president testifies on DEF impact

Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation (WyFB) President Todd Fornstrom testified on March 11 before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on the impacts diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) requirements have on farmers and ranchers.

The hearing examined Senate Bill 3135, the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act, legislation aimed at addressing reliability issues facing diesel-powered vehicles and equipment in freezing temperatures.

Fornstrom’s testimony

Fornstrom, a fourth-generation farmer from Pine Bluffs, spoke on behalf of nearly 12,000 WyFB members and more than five million members of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

“Clean air and water are essential to successful farms and ranches,” Fornstrom said. “Agriculture depends on natural systems, and the quality of the air and water surrounding a farm strongly influences crop growth, soil health, livestock well-being and overall productivity.”

Fornstrom explained, while DEF systems were introduced to reduce emissions from diesel engines, they have created operational challenges for agriculture. 

Equipment used on farms often operates in extreme conditions, including freezing temperatures, dust and vibration, which can affect the reliability of DEF tanks, pumps and sensors.

“Living and farming in Wyoming, dealing with DEF in the winter can feel like a battle against both the cold and the clock,” Fornstrom said. “If DEF freezes or the system triggers an engine derate, it can bring a tractor or combine to a halt right in the middle of critical planting or feeding windows.”

Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act

The Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act would allow manufacturers to suspend automatic engine derates or shutdowns when temperatures fall below freezing and would require the Environmental Protection Agency to provide exemptions for equipment operating primarily in cold regions.

Fornstrom thanked Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) for introducing the legislation to address the challenges DEF systems pose in cold climates and urged Congress to address the broader challenges DEF systems pose for farmers and ranchers.

“The agricultural community believes Congress should go further and carefully weigh the environmental benefits of DEF systems against their reliability issues and economic costs,” Fornstrom concluded. “Farmers and ranchers are calling for the elimination of DEF requirements on agricultural equipment so producers can focus on productivity, efficiency and feeding our country.”

WyFB is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving individual freedom and supporting agriculture in Wyoming. For more than 100 years, WyFB has advocated for farmers and ranchers through grassroots policy working to strengthen agriculture and support farm and ranch families across the state. For more information, visit wyfb.org.