Episode 962 – EPA Ignores Jeep?
EPA to Ignore Devices
Aftermarket Defeat Devices Removed From EPA’s Top Enforcement Priorities List
This form SEMA.org
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasCapitol released its final National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative (NECI) for 2024 through 2027, outlining its top enforcement priorities for the coming years. The EPA did not include “Stopping Aftermarket Defeat Device for Vehicles and Engines” on the NECI list. The agency returned enforcement of aftermarket parts to a standard “core” priority as it had been for many years until 2020.
“The EPA’s decision to remove enforcement against aftermarket products from the NECI and return it to a standard priority is a recognition of our industry’s commitment to emissions compliance and the progress we’ve made,” said SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “I am proud of the investments SEMA has made to ensure our member companies can sell high-performance, emissions-compliant products that millions of automotive enthusiasts demand. SEMA looks forward to working with the EPA to provide aftermarket businesses with clear and consistent guidance regarding the types of modifications that are legal, as well as an effective certification program that companies can rely on.”
The EPA proposed the NECI list of priorities in January for 2024 to 2027. Click here to read SEMA’s official comment submitted earlier this year supporting the EPA’s preliminary decision to remove “stopping aftermarket defeat devices for vehicles and engines” from the NECI. SEMA also worked with U.S. Representative Greg Pence (R-IN) and 12 bipartisan members of the U.S. House of Representatives who sent a letter to the EPA in support of the agency moving on from its enhanced enforcement against aftermarket parts.
Aftermarket parts or software, such as modified exhausts or chip tuning products and services, inhibit or bypass a vehicle’s emissions controls. Now, enforcement of aftermarket parts is once again of standard “core” importance, as it had been for many years until 2020
SEMA, Where was Jeep?
Stellantis citing the UAW strike canceled its participation in the 2023 SEMA, LA Autoshow and these cancellations will extend into 2024.
Stellantis is skipping CES, Canadian International Auto Show in February. Camp Jeep test track. What do you think of Jeep missing from the events you go to, watch or read about?
SEMA had plenty of Jeeps, it always does. Does it make a difference to you if they are there?
UAW has claimed that Jeep is flush with funds and they need to share the wealth with it’s workers. I don’t disagree with paying the people important to the success of the business a fair wage but it seems they weren’t as flush with money as UAW claims, or do you think Stellantis is pretending to save money in the wake of a new UAW agreement?
Jeep Talk Show Gladiator Update
In episode 957 the Zoom people on our Round Table talked about what it takes to put 35” tires on your Jeep. All Jeeps, Wranglers, Cherokees, and Gladiators.
I thought I’d tell you what it took to put 35s on the 2021 Jeep Talk Show Gladiator.
As you can see, check our show notes for episode 962, there isn’t a lot of room for 35’s on the stock Gladiator.
I purchased and installed a Mopar 2” Lift. Primarily because I didn’t want to have warranty issues using a different lift kit manufacturer. I believe that you can use a different kit and it should only void the warranty associated with the lift. Check this will your Jeep service provider first.
Conventional wisdom says that if you’re going with larger tires, you need to get different wheels. Thanks to a YouTube Gladiator built by the TFL guys, I found that the stock “spare tire” wheel would fit and work just fine under the Gladiator. I had some nice Jeep wheels already, just a little “thin” for the wider tire. 7.5”, 8.5”, or 9” would be better.
Once the lift was installed I moved to 35’s pretty quickly. I ordered the Nexen Roadian MTX tires online, had them shipped to the house then spent $250 having Discount Tires to install them.
The NEXEN tires have been great, Hidden Falls here in Texas, and Moab for EJS. No complaints.
With the 35×12.5×17 installed and the 2” Mopar lift, I have rubbed, it slightly and briefly maybe two times. It was so subtle that it was an afterthought of what that sound must have been.
Oh, I forgot to mention that in addition to the 2” Mopar lift, I did add a ¾” spacer on the front. I wanted the Glad to sit more level than the typical truck rake.
Must-Have Stuff for your Jeep!
Jeep Gladiator Door Sill Guards Mopar OEM $89.51
If you didn’t buy the trim level that came with door sills, this is your fix! More than just trying to look like a Rubicon these are functional protecting your door sills from repeated damage.
I’d rather spend $90 once than pay for door sills every month for 78 months! I think these are pricey, but they are OEM!
News story(s) EPA to Ignore Jeeps?
Jeep Gladiator Update; Putting 35s on a JT
Must have for your jeep; Mopar OEM Door Sills
Watch this episode on YouTube! Streamed LIVE as it was recorded.