H.R. 9618, Diesel Industry Deregulation / Emission Standard Freeze. Quorum's AI analysis reads it as a net cost — and names who bears it.
H.R. 9618 · Net cost
What it does
This bill freezes diesel engine emission standards for 10 years, preventing the EPA from adopting stricter pollution rules than those set in 2007–2010. It creates a legal safe harbor for diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) monitoring practices and engine modifications described in three specific EPA guidance documents issued in 2025–2026. After the 10-year freeze, any new standards must allow 5 years lead time and must weigh industry costs, operational disruption, and resale value alongside public health.
The analysis names diesel engine manufacturers (Cummins, Duramax, Powerstroke) — and 4 more groups — among the beneficiaries.
The cost
The bill locks in 2007–2010 emission standards as a ceiling for a decade, effectively preventing EPA from responding to new scientific evidence about diesel pollution health impacts (e.g., NOx and particulate matter links to respiratory disease, cardiovascular harm).
The analysis put a high warning level on this bill. Transparency scores 45%, and the analysis found no provisions unrelated to the bill's subject.
Who is behind it
Filed by Julie Fedorchak. Cosponsored by Brad Finstad, Donald Davis, H. Griffith and Jack Bergman.