Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1543322
14 RIGHT TO REPAIR 12 IDA Universal Q1 2026 Beyond the Statehouse: Right to Repair Goes Three-Dimensional by Willie Cade Guest Columnist f you've been following the Right to Repair movement, you know state legislatures have been busy—very busy. With dozens of bills introduced across the country targeting agricultural and construction equipment, the momentum is undeniable. But here's the thing: legislatures are just one piece of the puzzle. To truly secure I repair rights for diesel engine equipment, we need all three branches of government working in concert—at both the state and federal levels. ink of it as a three-legged stool. Remove any leg, and the whole thing topples. State legislatures remain the front line. Bills requiring manufacturers to provide diagnostic tools, repair information, and parts to inde- pendent service providers are advancing in statehouses from coast to coast. At the federal level, Congress has taken notice too—most notably with Section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act, which requires defense contractors to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. If it's good enough for the military, why not for the rest of us? But passing laws is only half the battle. Laws without enforcement are just suggestions. The Executive Branch: Where Laws Get Teeth is is where governors, attorneys general, and federal agencies come into play. e Environ- mental Protection Agency, for instance, has authority under the Clean Air Act to require manufacturers to provide "any and all" information needed to repair emission control systems. When manufacturers fail to comply—and some have—the EPA can step in. State attorneys general can enforce consumer protection laws against deceptive repair practices. And executive agencies can set procurement policies that favor repair-friendly products, sending a powerful mar- ket signal. e executive branch transforms paper promises into real-world accountability. Without vigorous enforcement, even the best legislation gathers dust. The Legislative Branch: Where It Starts