Lowering the Cost of Living by Promoting the Freedom to Fix

6/29/2026

Presidential Memoranda

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Action Summary

Purpose: Reduce regulatory burdens that have increased vehicle costs by rescinding greenhouse gas emission regulations for various vehicles and affirming the right to repair agricultural and non-road equipment.
Addressing Certification Delays: Highlight the problems with the existing California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification process for aftermarket parts, which is slow, costly, and limits supply.
Expanding Emission Repair Options: Direct the EPA to issue guidance within 30 days clarifying the freedom to fix—outlining what actions individuals can take on their vehicles to conduct emission repairs in compliance with the Clean Air Act.
Providing Assurances for Manufacturers: Encourage the EPA to expedite and review requests from organizations capable of testing aftermarket parts, while ensuring protection of manufacturers’ intellectual property and confidential business information.
Enforcement Adjustments: Advise the EPA to consider deprioritizing civil tampering enforcement for individuals making good-faith efforts to repair their vehicles to original configurations.
General Provisions: Clarify that the memorandum does not impair the statutory authority of executive agencies or budgeting processes and is subject to applicable law and appropriations.

Risks & Considerations

The memorandum aims to reduce regulatory burdens on emissions, which may lead to increased competition in the automotive repair industry. While this could benefit consumers by lowering repair costs, it may also lead to environmental concerns due to less stringent emissions regulations, potentially impacting public perception of the university’s commitment to sustainability.
There is a risk that the deregulation could lead to increased vehicle emissions, which might conflict with Vanderbilt University’s sustainability initiatives and its efforts to promote environmental responsibility.
The focus on aftermarket parts and potential deregulation may create uncertainties for research and partnerships with companies in the automotive and environmental sectors, particularly if compliance with emissions standards becomes more complex.
Vanderbilt may need to reassess its partnerships with environmental agencies and organizations to align with the new regulatory landscape, ensuring that its research and advocacy efforts remain relevant and impactful.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering may face increased opportunities for research in automotive technology and sustainability but will need to navigate the new regulatory environment carefully.
The Environmental Law Clinic at Vanderbilt could see a rise in demand for legal expertise regarding compliance with emissions regulations and the implications of deregulation on local and state laws.
Research centers focused on sustainability and environmental studies may need to adapt their focus to address the impacts of deregulation on emissions and public health.

Financial Impact

Changes in regulations could alter funding opportunities for environmental research, as federal priorities shift toward deregulation, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s research grants.
The university might experience fluctuations in student interest in environmental studies and engineering programs depending on public perception of the new policies.
Potential litigation or compliance costs associated with new regulations could impact the university’s budget if it becomes involved in advocacy or research related to these changes.

Relevance Score: 4 (The memorandum presents high risks involving significant changes to regulations that affect environmental compliance and university partnerships.)

Key Actions

The Office of Environmental Compliance should closely monitor the guidance provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the newly clarified rights for consumers to conduct emission repairs on their vehicles. This will be essential to ensure that Vanderbilt’s vehicle fleets remain compliant with federal regulations while potentially reducing costs associated with vehicle maintenance and repair.
Vanderbilt’s Procurement Department should explore partnerships with aftermarket parts manufacturers that align with the new regulatory environment. By establishing relationships with compliant suppliers, Vanderbilt can ensure the availability of affordable and compliant parts for its vehicles, thereby reducing operational costs.
The Office of Legal Counsel should assess potential legal implications of the new guidance on aftermarket parts and emissions repairs. Understanding the legal landscape will help Vanderbilt navigate any challenges that may arise from the deregulatory actions and ensure compliance with federal laws.
The Vanderbilt Sustainability Office should engage in outreach and education efforts regarding the environmental impacts of vehicle repairs and the importance of compliance with emissions standards. This can enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in sustainability while promoting responsible vehicle use among students and staff.

Opportunities

The executive memorandum presents an opportunity for the Vanderbilt School of Engineering to conduct research on the implications of deregulation in the automotive sector. This could lead to innovative solutions for emissions control that align with the new regulatory framework, positioning Vanderbilt as a thought leader in environmental engineering.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the changes in regulations by hosting workshops or seminars for students and local communities about the importance of emissions compliance and the benefits of using compliant aftermarket parts. This outreach can strengthen community ties and enhance the university’s public engagement initiatives.
The focus on consumer rights to repair vehicles provides an opportunity for the Vanderbilt Law School to explore legal research and advocacy related to consumer rights and environmental law. This engagement can enhance the curriculum and provide students with practical experience in these emerging legal fields.
The Vanderbilt Center for Environmental Policy and Management can leverage this new regulatory landscape to advocate for policies that balance consumer rights and environmental protection, potentially influencing state and federal policy discussions.

Relevance Score: 4 (The memorandum indicates that major process changes may be required in procurement and compliance strategies due to new regulatory frameworks.)

Average Relevance Score: 3.6

Timeline for Implementation

Within 30 days: The Administrator of the EPA is directed to provide guidance on the “freedom to fix” regarding vehicle emission repairs.

Relevance Score: 4

Impacted Government Organizations

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The memorandum directs the EPA Administrator to issue guidance on the freedom to fix and address the regulatory uncertainties surrounding aftermarket emissions parts under the Clean Air Act.
California Air Resources Board (CARB): Although CARB is a state agency, it is directly referenced as the current bottleneck in the certification process for aftermarket parts, which the memorandum aims to alleviate.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Mentioned in the general provisions, the OMB’s role in budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals is highlighted to ensure that the memorandum does not affect its functions.

Relevance Score: 2 (Three government organizations are impacted by this memorandum.)

Responsible Officials

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Tasked with providing guidance on allowable emission repair practices, encouraging alternatives to CARB’s certification process, and considering a reduction in enforcement actions against individuals fixing their vehicles.

Relevance Score: 4 (Impacts the head of an agency with broad regulatory and policy responsibilities.)