EPA Guidance Reaffirms Freedom To Fix for Independent Shops
EPA guidance affirms independent repair shops' right to emissions data & diagnostic tools, citing NASTF as an industry collaboration model...
The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued formal guidance affirming consumers’ and independent repair professionals’ right to repair their vehicles under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
EPA Guidance Affirms Right to Repair Under Clean Air Act
In a letter dated July 1, 2026, EPA Assistant Administrator Aaron Szabo reiterated manufacturers’ obligations under the Clean Air Act to make emissions-related service information, diagnostic tools, training materials and reprogramming capabilities available to independent repair shops, tool companies and vehicle owners.
The letter specifically cited NASTF as an example of successful collaboration between the automotive service industry, the equipment and tool industry and original equipment manufacturers.
“We are grateful to the Trump Administration and the EPA for recognizing the importance of ensuring that all automotive service professionals have access to the information and tools they need to properly repair today’s vehicles,” said Donny Seyfer, executive officer of NASTF. “The EPA’s recognition affirms the collaborative approach our industry has taken for more than two decades and provides important clarity for manufacturers, repair professionals and consumers alike.”
What the Guidance Means for Independent Shops
The EPA’s guidance further reinforces that federal law supports access to the information and tools needed to diagnose and repair emissions-related systems. It also reaffirms automobile manufacturers’ obligations to make emissions-related service information, training materials, diagnostic capabilities and manufacturer-specific tools available to independent repair shops, while making clear those requirements do not extend to proprietary designs, software code or other confidential business information.
By specifically recognizing NASTF in its guidance, the EPA highlighted the organization’s long-standing role in helping manufacturers, tool companies and independent repair professionals improve access to the information, training and diagnostic resources needed to support proper vehicle repairs, NASTF officials stated in a press release.
Related: SEMA Certified-Emissions Recognition
In related news, the EPA also issued an advisory opinion that a SEMA Certified-Emissions certification demonstrates emissions compliance under the Tampering Policy.
