Feds Bypass California To Grant Americans The Right To Fix Their Own Rides

Everyday vehicle repairs and modifications just got a whole lot simpler for millions of Americans.

Following a new White House directive titled “Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix,” the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overhauled how aftermarket automotive parts are certified. Under the updated policy enacted on July 1, 2026, vehicle owners and independent repair shops will no longer have to rely exclusively on the California Air Resource Board (CARB) emission certification process to prove that aftermarket parts comply with federal law.

Instead, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin officially designated the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) as an alternative certification authority. Manufacturers can now use the SEMA Certified Emissions Program to demonstrate compliance with the Clean Air Act, verifying that their parts do not negatively impact vehicle emissions.

Federal officials stated the policy is designed to revitalize the American auto industry and help small businesses remain competitive in the aftermarket sector.

Lawmakers and automotive leaders across the country reacted to the shift in federal oversight.

“President Trump and Administrator Lee Zeldin are bringing common sense to automotive repair,” said Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH). “Biden and the radical DC Democrats had created an environment of total chaos and destruction. Another great day for the US consumer!”

Industry groups viewed the decision as an important step toward long-term regulatory clarity. John Bozella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, noted that the White House memorandum reaffirms principles that protect automotive intellectual property and confidential business information.

“That’s an important acknowledgement and builds on the longstanding commitment from automakers to provide consumers and independent repair shops with the same repair instructions, tools and diagnostic codes they provide franchised auto dealers,” Bozzella said. “This is precisely what we’ve been saying as far back as 2003: Automakers support the freedom to fix. Always have, always will. So, a significant directive from President Trump and the EPA that should end the confusion and controversy around automotive repair once and for all.”

For parts manufacturers and small business owners, the change eliminates a major bottleneck in getting new products to consumers.

“The work of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the support of President Trump will ensure the automotive aftermarket as a reasonable way of complying with the Clean Air Act,” said Norris Marshall, founder of BluePrint Engines. “This makes it possible for aftermarket parts to be EPA approved and protects our manufacturers, distributors, and installers. A great step for the aftermarket and for consumers!!”

Tony D’Antonio, founder and CEO of D’Antonio Automotive, echoed the sentiment from a small business perspective. “As a small business owner, I know how important it is for people in our industry to have certainty for getting their products to market,” D’Antonio said. “I very much appreciate the efforts of Administrator Zeldin and the EPA to verify the important role the SEMA Certified-Emissions program has in our industry’s push to achieve aftermarket emissions compliance and give their support to a true industry-driven solution that makes sense for all stakeholders.”

Engineering and manufacturing executives emphasized that the alternative pathway allows them to maintain a focus on both compliance and development. Aaron Stewart, Vice President of Engineering for the Holley Group, stated that the acceptance of SEMA’s program “helps manufacturers continue developing clean, compliant products that consumers can use to repair, modify, and enjoy their vehicles.”