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could also be illegal. e Clean Air Act requires manufacturers to provide "any and all" information needed to repair emission control systems, yet Deere has consistently failed to do so. As outlined in Senator Warren's letter, Deere admitted earlier this year that it had omit- ted language from its manuals informing equipment owners of their right to repair emissions systems with original or equivalent parts. is failure to comply with federal law prompted an EPA warning, further raising questions about Deere's commitment to its cus- tomers and legal responsibilities. In addition to withholding repair information, Deere has continued to overcharge for its repair services. Over the past two decades, the cost of parts and labor for agricultural equipment has nearly doubled, and since 2020, these costs have spiked by 41%. ese rising costs are not just a result of inflation or supply chain issues—they are tied to Deere's control over the soware that runs its machinery. By restricting access to diagnostic tools, Deere can charge premium prices for services that indepen- dent repair shops could offer at a fraction of the cost. In legal terms that this is called supracompeti- tive pricing. In addition to withholding repair information, Deere has continued to overcharge for its repair ser- vices. Over the past two decades, the cost of parts and labor for agricultural equipment has nearly doubled, and since 2020, these costs have spiked by 41%. ese rising costs are not just a result of inflation or supply chain issues—they are tied to Deere's control over the soware that runs its machinery. By restricting access to diagnostic tools, Deere can charge premium prices for services that indepen- dent repair shops could offer at a fraction of the cost. In legal terms that this is called supracompeti- tive pricing. The Wider Impact on the Econ- omy e implications of Deere's ac- tions extend far beyond individu- al equipment owners. According to Senator Warren, the delays and high costs associated with Deere's repair restrictions have specifical- ly cost U.S. farmers $4.2 billion annually. is economic burden is particularly harmful to smaller, family-owned farms that rely on timely repairs to make a profit. The Road Ahead: Legislative Solutions As frustration grows, so does support for Right to Repair legislation. e movement has already seen successes in states like Oregon, which passed a law in 2024 requiring manufacturers to provide essential repair infor- mation and tools. Similar legisla- tion is being considered in several other states, and there is growing momentum at the federal level as well. Senator Warren's letter is part of a broader push to hold companies like John Deere ac- countable and ensure that equip- ment owners have the tools they need to maintain their equipment without being forced into expensive and unnecessary service contracts. e stakes are high for the entire economy. Repair restrictions hurt not only equipment owners but also independent repair shops and aermarket parts suppliers. By monopolizing the repair pro- cess, manufacturers are stifling competition and innovation, driv- ing up costs across the board. Why Right to Repair Matters e Right to Repair movement is about more than just fixing bro- ken machinery. It's about ensur- 18 ing that consumers—whether they are farmers, homeowners, or small business owners—have the free- dom to choose how they maintain and repair the products they own. We all face increasing pressure from climate change, supply chain disruptions, and rising costs, we can no longer afford to be held hostage by restrictive repair practices. e time has come for lawmakers to act, ensuring that Right to Repair becomes a reality for all industries, protecting both consumers and the competitive market. In the words of Willie Cade, "Right to Repair isn't just about the ability to fix something—it's about fairness, competition, and free- dom." It's time we ensured that all equipment owners have the right to repair what they own. Right To Repair IDA Universal November-December 2024

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