In a letter to stakeholders, EPA Assistant Administrator Aaron Szabo clarified that federal law requires original equipment manufacturers to share service data, diagnostic software, and training materials. While this mandate ensures independent professionals can service modern vehicles, the agency noted that these obligations do not extend to proprietary software code or confidential business trade secrets.
EPA Formalizes Right to Repair Under Clean Air Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued formal guidance on July 1, 2026, mandating that manufacturers provide independent repair shops and vehicle owners with essential emissions-related diagnostic tools and information. This directive reinforces federal support for the right to repair while explicitly citing industry-led collaboration as the standard for compliance.
The EPA pointed to the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) as the benchmark for this industry cooperation. Donny Seyfer, executive officer of NASTF, characterized the guidance as a validation of the collaborative strategy the organization has pursued for over two decades. By formalizing these expectations, the agency aims to bridge the gap between complex automotive technology and the technicians responsible for maintaining vehicle emissions standards across the United States.
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