The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that manufacturers may sell certain automotive parts in 49 states without first meeting California’s separate emissions certification requirements. Under a new EPA advisory opinion, manufacturers can show that aftermarket parts comply with the federal Clean Air Act through the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s emissions certification program. That means companies […]

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that manufacturers may sell certain automotive parts in 49 states without first meeting California’s separate emissions certification requirements.

Under a new EPA advisory opinion, manufacturers can show that aftermarket parts comply with the federal Clean Air Act through the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s emissions certification program. That means companies may rely on SEMA certification rather than first seeking approval from California regulators.

“Americans should not be forced to solely rely on California to certify aftermarket products. Starting today, Americans can trust that products certified by SEMA meet federal requirements and can be used to repair vehicles,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a July 1 press release.

EPA Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall offered further detail in a July 1 letter to SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola.

“The Tampering Policy explains how a person may demonstrate that an aftermarket product does not adversely affect automotive emissions by documenting that an appropriate vehicle equipped with the product will pass the same emissions tests used by the original equipment manufacturer to certify the vehicle under the Clean Air Act,” Hall wrote.

SEMA’s Certified-Emissions website states that the EPA’s Tampering Policy provides guidance for aftermarket manufacturers seeking to meet the agency’s “reasonable basis” standard for emissions compliance. According to SEMA, the policy recognizes certification-level testing conducted in a manner similar to the testing required by the California Air Resources Board for its executive order process.

CARB is the California agency responsible for setting the state’s vehicle emissions standards and implementing policies intended to address climate change.

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Zeldin framed the EPA’s decision as part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to support domestic auto manufacturers, small businesses and consumers.

“President Trump’s commitment to reviving the American auto industry has been unwavering and has already yielded hundreds of billions in new investments, supported American jobs and expanded consumer choice,” Zeldin said. “With the aftermarket sector being a key piece of the industry, EPA is proud to deliver on the president’s agenda for the small businesses producing aftermarket parts and on behalf of the Americans who purchase those parts.”

The EPA confirmed that it received a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation but did not immediately provide a response.

Several automotive industry representatives praised the agency’s announcement.

“Holley is grateful for the work the EPA has done to support the automotive aftermarket and help create clearer pathways for compliant products,” Holley Group Vice President of Engineering Aaron Stewart said in the release.

“The acceptance of SEMA Certified-Emissions is an important step forward for the industry and helps manufacturers continue developing clean, compliant products that consumers can use to repair, modify, and enjoy their vehicles. We appreciate the continued push to support responsible innovation and bring better products to market,” Stewart continued.

Holley describes itself on its website as a leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of high-performance automotive products for car and truck enthusiasts.

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Opus Intelligent Vehicle Support CEO Brian Herron also welcomed the EPA’s decision.

“As a lifelong enthusiast, a right to repair and right to modify advocate, and someone who has spent decades in vehicle diagnostics and the automotive aftermarket, I believe EPA’s recognition of SEMA Certified-Emissions is an important and practical step forward,” Herron said.

“This action gives responsible companies a clear, nationally recognized path to demonstrate compliance while continuing to innovate and serve consumers. I appreciate Administrator Zeldin and the Trump Administration for advancing regulatory clarity that supports clean air, American businesses, and the enthusiast community,” he added.

The administration has also criticized California’s efforts to promote electric vehicles and impose stricter emissions standards.

“CARB’s proposal appears to be nothing more than scare tactics to coerce car companies into limiting consumer choice and selling unaffordable and impractical electric vehicles that Americans do not want to buy,” Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Aaron Szabo said in September 2025. “California appears dead set on wasting hard-earned taxpayer dollars and forcing their rejected standards on the rest of the country.”

The EPA’s latest action follows the Supreme Court’s June 2025 decision in Diamond Alternative Energy v. EPA. In that case, the court found that fuel producers had standing to challenge California’s EPA-approved vehicle emissions rules, including policies tied to the state’s electric vehicle mandates.

The Western Journal