DEF DEFINED

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been vigilant to assure the reduction of emissions following the Clean Air Act of the 1970s. With tighter regulations of trucks using commercial fuel services and, in an effort, to minimize environmental threats, modern diesel engines are required to use diesel exhaust fluid, or more commonly referred to as DEF.

Historically there wasn’t a concern about smog-proof equipment on the vehicles of the truck drives and fleet managers. Then, the EPA mandated in 2008 all three-quarter-ton and larger trucks install diesel particulate filters.

When 2010 rolled around, the restrictions tightened again. Medium – and heavy-duty vehicles (this includes tractors, construction equipment and all other vehicles/equipment utilizing diesel) were included to also assist with the reductions of emissions by utilizing DEF to address NOx and particular matter (PM).

With NOx and PM linked to respiratory, cardiovascular disease and several other health conditions, the focus of these new EPA controls was ultimately to improve air quality.

The potential changes also have impressive potential of savings – over $70 billion by 2030 – with the prevention of premature deaths, decrease of hospitalizations, and reduction of lost workdays*.

 

*Environmental Protection Agency, 2020