U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing on March 11 to discuss S. 3135, the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act.
The hearing focused on how diesel engine derates—automatic reductions in engine power due to emissions controls—can affect public safety in cold-weather regions and impact agricultural operations. The issue is significant because reliable transportation is critical for both emergency response and food production in rural areas.
During the session, Capito asked Ryan Anderson, Commissioner at the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, about the unique challenges faced in Alaska when diesel engines lose power during extreme weather events. Anderson said, “I’ll use an example just from last night. We got informed last night that the Dalton Highway, north of the Arctic Circle, closed again because of a powerful storm, wind, snow, and it’ll be closed for probably well over 24 hours […]. So, our crews immediately go to work… When we have equipment fail, there’s a cascading impact across the state, across all of those industries, and the public.” He also noted widespread concern: “As […] the Cold Weather Diesel [Reliability] Act has become more known in Alaska, we’ve had enormous amounts of people reach out… We’ve had fire departments come forward… The school bus companies have come forward. They’re concerned… The Alaska Railroad reached out […] and said ‘this is impactful for our operations as well.’”
Capito also questioned Todd Fornstrom, President of the Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation, about how these issues affect farmers’ decisions regarding equipment purchases. Fornstrom said: “[…] I was at an auction looking for a piece of equipment… And he was like ‘well you don’t want this one because if it goes into the derate mode you won’t be able to run your grain cart like you’re wanting to.’ And that just halts harvest to a stop… They’re choosing not to buy newer equipment.”
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee maintains its administrative base in the Senate Dirksen Office Building to support hearings and operations according to its official website. The committee oversees federal programs related to environmental quality, natural resources and infrastructure with an aim to balance conservation with national needs according to its official website. Capito chairs this committee alongside members such as Kevin Cramer and Cynthia Lummis according to its official website.
The committee handles legislation affecting environmental policy and infrastructure nationwide according to its official website, influencing regulations on wildlife protection as well as maintenance efforts across America according to its official website. It collaborates through subcommittees focusing on clean air initiatives, water resources management and transportation infrastructure according to its official website.
As lawmakers continue discussions around S. 3135, further hearings may address how best to ensure reliability for diesel-powered vehicles essential for public safety services and agriculture.
