U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led a hearing on March 11 to examine S. 3135, known as the Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act. The hearing focused on Environmental Protection Agency regulations for nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel vehicles and the safety concerns these rules may create for drivers in cold and rural areas.
The issue is significant because current emissions controls can cause diesel vehicles to lose power or become stranded when sensors malfunction or when cold weather affects the system. This can impact farmers, truckers, and emergency responders who rely on diesel equipment in remote regions.
In her opening statement, Capito said, “Today, we will receive testimony on S. 3135, the ‘Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act’ sponsored by Senators Sullivan, Lummis, Curtis and Murkowski. This legislation is meant to address a serious safety issue for drivers of diesel trucks and equipment in certain parts of our country.” She explained that since 2010 most new diesel engines use selective catalytic reduction technology with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to reduce emissions. If sensors detect an issue—such as low DEF or system malfunctions—the engine may be limited to five miles per hour after four hours unless fixed.
Capito described how this restriction has caused tractors to stop during harvests and left truckers stranded in sub-zero temperatures. She noted that emergency vehicles were exempted from these requirements in 2012 during emergencies. “The Cold Weather Diesel Reliability Act takes a similar approach by authorizing manufacturers to override the system in targeted cold weather environments,” she said.
The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee maintains its administrative base in the Senate Dirksen Office Building to support hearings and operations according to the official website. The committee oversees federal programs related to environmental quality, natural resources, and infrastructure according to the official website. Capito chairs the committee alongside members such as Kevin Cramer and Cynthia Lummis according to the official website.
The committee handles legislation with nationwide effects on environmental and infrastructure matters according to the official website, influences federal policy on environmental regulations, wildlife protection, and infrastructure maintenance according to the official website, and collaborates through subcommittees on topics like clean air, water resources, and transportation infrastructure according to the official website.
Capito concluded her remarks by thanking colleagues for their work addressing transportation safety needs in Alaska, Wyoming, and other cold states: “I want to thank my colleagues for championing safety in transportation and working to address the unique needs of Alaska, Wyoming and other cold weather states.”
